SpaceX announced May 9 that it finished the seventh major funding milestone under NASA’s CCDEV 2 program, which involved the crew accommodation concept and trial plan for its Dragon capsule.

   SpaceX CCDEV Program Manager Garrett Reisman said the milestone demonstrated the layout of the Dragon’s crew cabin and the ability of the vehicle to support critical tasks. “It also demonstrated the Dragon interior has been designed to maximize the ability of the seven-member crew to do their job as effectively as possible," Reisman said in a statement. “Reaching the milestone effectively demonstrates that the layout of the Dragon capsule is acceptable.”

   SpaceX’s Dragon capsule was designed to carry up to seven astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS).

   On May 10, SpaceX announced it had signed an agreement with Bigelow Aerospace to market and offer rides on the Dragon spacecraft. These human spaceflight missions flown as part of the collaborative project would use SpaceX’s Falcon launch vehicle to carry passengers to Bigelow-designed BA 330 habitats orbiting the earth.

   The BA 330 habitat aims to support a crew of up to six, providing about 330 cubic meters of usable volume. Bigelow said it plans to connect two or more BA 330s in orbit to serve national space agencies, companies and universities looking for access to a microgravity environment.

   “SpaceX and Bigelow Aerospace have a lot in common,” SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell said in a statement. “Together, we will provide unique opportunities to entities — whether nations or corporations — wishing to have crewed access to the space environment for extended periods. I’m looking forward to working with Bigelow Aerospace and engaging with international customers.”

   Shotwell said the two companies would kick off their marketing efforts in Asia and that representatives from Bigelow and SpaceX would meet with officials in Japan shortly after the May 19 launch of the Falcon 9 and Dragon spacecraft.