BOEING STARLINER
- Starliner serves as a spacecraft designed to ferry astronauts through space following a launch facilitated by a rocket.
- Comprising a crew capsule and a service module, it provides essential accommodations and systems for space travel.
- The crew capsule serves as the habitat for astronauts during their journey, equipped to endure reentry and safely return to Earth.
- Meanwhile, the service module hosts vital equipment such as air and temperature control, water supply, sanitation facilities, as well as engines and fuel necessary for maneuvering. Notably, the service module is not intended for reuse.
- Measuring over 4 meters in width, Starliner accommodates up to seven astronauts and can be mounted atop an Atlas V rocket, managed by United Launch Alliance, a collaboration between Boeing and Lockheed Martin
- The Boeing Starliner is a spacecraft developed by Boeing for transporting astronauts to and from space.
- It consists of a crew capsule and a service module, providing essential accommodations and systems for space travel
- The crew capsule is designed to withstand reentry and safely return to Earth, while the service module houses necessary equipment like air and temperature control, water supply, and propulsion systems.
- The Starliner can accommodate up to seven astronauts and is compatible with the Atlas V rocket for launch, operated by United Launch Alliance, a joint venture between Boeing and Lockheed Martin
- In September 16, 2014, NASA disclosed it had granted contracts to SpaceX and Boeing for the transportation of astronauts to the ISS.
- According to U.S. Federal Acquisition Regulations, the "maximum potential values" of these fixed price contracts were $4.2 billion for Boeing and $2.6 billion for SpaceX.
- Initially, Boeing was slated to carry out the first crewed launch of the Starliner in 2017. However, a series of setbacks occurred, leading to its first uncrewed orbital test flight taking place only in December 2019.
- During this flight, the capsule was intended to dock with the ISS, but a software malfunction resulted in it being placed in an incorrect orbit. Consequently, it returned safely to Earth the following day without completing the docking maneuver.
- In May 2022, Boeing retried the test flight, which was successful this time, as it successfully docked with the ISS, remained docked for four days, and safely returned to Earth. The upcoming test on May 7 will repeat this process, but with astronauts aboard.
- Despite the potential for an on-time launch, the project has experienced a cumulative delay of seven years, with Boeing exceeding its budget by $1.4 billion. Boeing faced numerous technical challenges even after the 2022 flight, compounded by the impact of the pandemic
|
What is Starliner’s purpose?
Following the acquisition of NASA contracts, SpaceX has conducted 13 missions to the ISS utilizing its Dragon crew capsule, which has a capacity of up to seven astronauts. If Starliner's crewed test flight proves successful, SpaceX and Boeing will alternate in launching astronauts to the ISS, with each expedition lasting up to six months, until the ISS is decommissioned in the next decade. Prior to the readiness of SpaceX's Dragon capsule in 2020, and subsequent to NASA's discontinuation of its Space Shuttle program in 2011, Russia's Soyuz rocket and capsule were the sole means of transportation for astronauts to and from the ISS
|
The Boeing Starliner holds significant importance in the realm of space exploration and transportation for several reasons:
-
NASA Commercial Crew Program: Starliner is part of NASA's Commercial Crew Program, aiming to restore human spaceflight capabilities to the United States. This program seeks to reduce reliance on Russian spacecraft (Soyuz) for transporting astronauts to and from the International Space Station (ISS).
-
Commercial Space Industry: The development of Starliner represents a significant milestone in the commercial space industry. It demonstrates the capability of private companies, such as Boeing, to develop and operate crewed spacecraft, expanding opportunities for commercial space ventures.
-
International Collaboration: Starliner's development involves collaboration between Boeing and international partners, including NASA and United Launch Alliance. This collaboration fosters international cooperation in space exploration and strengthens diplomatic ties.
-
Technological Innovation: The Starliner incorporates advanced technology and engineering solutions for crew safety, reusability, and operational efficiency. Its development pushes the boundaries of aerospace engineering and contributes to technological innovation in the space sector.
-
Space Exploration and Research: Starliner enables regular crewed missions to the ISS, facilitating scientific research, technology demonstrations, and international collaboration in space exploration. It expands opportunities for astronauts to conduct experiments and advance scientific knowledge in microgravity environments
Starliner’s first crew flight test will be piloted by two veteran astronauts, Mr. Wilmore and Ms. Williams. After being launched by an Atlas V rocket, Starliner will carry them to the ISS, where the duo will stay for eight days. The capsule will return and descend to the ground, probably at a location in New Mexico.
In March, Mr. Wilmore told Ars Technica Boeing’s aeroplane division and the Starliner programme “don’t cross”. He also asked people to step back from expectations that the test will be flawless, that it was being conducted so Boeing could fix any final issues in preparation for commercial operations
Source: The Hindu
