Not since 1972 has the United States sent astronauts beyond the low-earth orbits of space shuttle missions, and it will be at least another seven years before the next generation of exploration begins. The Review of U.S. Human Space Flight Plans Committee has concluded that the Ares I crew launch vehicle and Orion crew capsule (NASA’s new programs for carrying astronauts into space) won’t be available before 2016. This assessment is assuming NASA has “an unconstrained budget” to get Ares and Orion off the ground. To reach the moon by the early 2020s, the space agency will need at least $50 billion in additional funds, according to the review committee. The committee also recommended decreasing the cost to U.S. taxpayers by partnering with the space agencies of other nations.