Boeing may build NASA's space taxi

CHICAGO, Sept. 15 (UPI) -- It now looks like aerospace company Boeing is the front-runner to win the bulk of a multi-billion dollar NASA contract to shuttle astronauts to and form orbit.

If true, Boeing will beat smaller companies like SpaceX which had been considered a favorite by some because of its lower costs and different approach.

According to officials, NASA -- as well as the Obama administration -- have so far concluded they like Boeing's proposed capsule. The reason being Boeing's capsule is the least risky option and it could be ready to shuttle astronauts to and form the International Space Station in three years.

An announcement is expected as early as Tuesday.