Boeing's CST-100 Starliner Spacecraft: A Closer Look
What is the CST-100 Starliner?
The CST-100 Starliner is a class of partially reusable spacecraft designed to transport crew to the International Space Station (ISS). It is being developed by Boeing in collaboration with NASA's Commercial Crew Program. The Starliner is intended to be a safe, reliable, and affordable way to transport astronauts to and from the ISS.
Design Features
The Starliner is a cone-shaped spacecraft with a diameter of 4.5 meters (14.8 feet) and a height of 5.3 meters (17.4 feet). It has a crew capacity of up to seven astronauts and can remain docked to the ISS for up to six months. The Starliner is equipped with a variety of safety features, including a launch abort system that can evacuate the crew in the event of an emergency.
Development and Testing
The Starliner is currently under development and is scheduled to make its first crewed flight in 2023. The spacecraft has undergone a series of successful test flights, including a uncrewed flight to the ISS in 2019. Boeing is currently working to resolve a number of technical issues with the Starliner, including a problem with the spacecraft's propulsion system.
Future Plans
Once the Starliner is fully operational, it will be used to transport astronauts to and from the ISS on a regular basis. Boeing also plans to develop a commercial version of the Starliner that could be used to transport tourists and other private individuals to space.
Comments