Our vessels can transport a wider array of cargo, access a larger number of ports due to their shallow draft and onboard crane equipment, and have historically achieved greater charter rate stability.

By contrast, the hallmark of Chinese seafaring in 1402 was a motley collection of shallow-draft cargo junks that seldom ventured more than a mile or two from friendly shores.

The draft RFP indicatesthat NASA maintains the right to approve or disapprove the passenger(s), thenon-NASA cargo or the payload proposed to bemanifested on a post certificationmission.