NASA noted that the ability to bring cargo, including concluded scientific experiments and waste, is critical to running the space station. The space agency noted that research and scientific samples largely have been piling up on the space station since of space shuttles in the summer of 2011.

NASA now depends on companies like SpaceX to ferry astronauts and cargo to and from the space station.

As the space agency's looks for assistance for its short-haul missions to the space station, it will focus on building high-powered engines and robotics, as well as preparing for more ambitious missions to the moon, asteroids and Mars.

Sharon Gaudin covers the Internet and Web 2.0, emerging technologies, and desktop and laptop chips for Computerworld. Follow Sharon on Twitter at , on or subscribe to . Her email address is .

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