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Manx-based space firm Excalibur Almaz has signed an agreement with NASA under the agency's Commercial Crew Development program.
NASA has awarded an unfunded Space Act agreement to the company, which will see NASA provide some technical support.
The Commercial Crew Development program aims to produce commercial orbital transportation systems and Phil McAlister, director of commercial spaceflight development at NASA, says Excalibur Almaz has a credible concept.
The Space Act agreements allow companies access to NASA's expertise without complex contracts and regulations.
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