The U.S. is developing a new spacecraft called the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (MPCV). This spacecraft is intended to carry a crew of as many as four astronauts. It will be able to carry crews to low-earth orbit and beyond. The Orion will allow manned explorations of asteroids and of Mars.
I have posted a series of blogs about the history of India's space program. There have been problems and delays partially due to the limited budget that India can devote to its space program. They have developed much of their own space technology from scratch. They are accomplishing amazing things on a fraction of the budget of other space programs.
One of the most interesting developments in space flight has been the entry of private companies into the game. There are several different companies which have developed their own space craft and are pursuing commercial applications of space flight. Two private companies were recently awarded a contract by NASA to help ferry astronauts and supplies to the International Space Station.
On October 23, 2014 China launched a lunar probe called Chang'e 5 T1 on a Long March-3C rocket. The main purpose of the probe (nicknamed Xiaofei) was to test technologies and techniques for high speed reentry into Earth's atmosphere. The findings of these tests will be incorporated into the Chang'e 5 lunar mission to be launched in 2017.
