The Boeing Starliner spacecraft is designed to provide NASA with a second U.S. spacecraft capable of transporting astronauts to and from the International Space Station (ISS). The upcoming mission, known as the Crewed Flight Test, is intended to be the final test before Starliner is certified by NASA to fly regular astronaut missions to the ISS.
Starliner’s Capabilities and Mission
The Starliner is a crew capsule that can carry up to four astronauts to and from the ISS. It is designed to launch atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket and return to Earth with the help of parachutes and airbags. The Crewed Flight Test will assess Starliner’s ability to perform a end-to-end mission to the ISS, including launch, docking, undocking, and landing.
Preparing for the Crewed Flight Test
In preparation for the Crewed Flight Test, Boeing has been conducting a series of tests and evaluations to ensure the safety and reliability of the Starliner system. This includes various abort and recovery scenarios, as well as testing the spacecraft’s life support systems and other critical components.