That&#x27;s correct and even the private companies are not as far along as they predicted in 2011 when the article I linked was published. They said they&#x27;d be ready in 3 years for people. I get the feeling NASA isnt concerned with getting people in LEO  anymore and they are developing something stronger.<p>&gt;Q: Is there any other way to get into space?<p>A: Not from U.S. soil once the shuttles retire. NASA could eventually use the commercial rockets and capsules being developed by private companies. Two companies predict they could fly astronauts to the space station within three years. NASA is under orders to build a giant rocket to go beyond Earth orbit.