From 3c34dacbdecfbfc91b1bf94c411ecf7c089ab880 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Steven Baltakatei Sandoval Date: Tue, 7 May 2024 04:22:30 +0000 Subject: [PATCH] feat(en/Boeing {Crewed Flight Test; Starliner}):Edit --- .../Boeing Crewed Flight Test/article.txt | 135 ++++++ en.wikipedia.org/Boeing Starliner/article.txt | 428 ++++++++++++++++++ 2 files changed, 563 insertions(+) create mode 100644 en.wikipedia.org/Boeing Crewed Flight Test/article.txt create mode 100644 en.wikipedia.org/Boeing Starliner/article.txt diff --git a/en.wikipedia.org/Boeing Crewed Flight Test/article.txt b/en.wikipedia.org/Boeing Crewed Flight Test/article.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..1e419a8 --- /dev/null +++ b/en.wikipedia.org/Boeing Crewed Flight Test/article.txt @@ -0,0 +1,135 @@ +{{Current spaceflight|article|date=May 2024}} +{{Short description|Planned first crewed flight of Boeing Starliner}} +{{Use American English|date=July 2020}} +{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2024}} +{{Infobox spaceflight +| name = Boeing Crew Flight Test +| names_list = Boe-CFT{{cite web|url=https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/nac-may2023-iss-final3-tagged.pdf|title=International Space Station Status|publisher=NASA|access-date=13 April 2024}} +| image = File:NASA’s Boeing Crew Flight Test (NHQ202405040026).jpg +| image_caption = Boeing Starliner CFT on pad undergoing pre-launch preparations +| mission_type = [[ISS]] crew transport test +| operator = [[Boeing Defense, Space & Security|Boeing]] +| COSPAR_ID = +| SATCAT = +| website = +| mission_duration = ~8 days (planned) +| spacecraft = [[Boeing Starliner Calypso|Starliner ''Calypso'']] +| spacecraft_type = [[Boeing Starliner|Starliner]] +| manufacturer = [[Boeing Defense, Space & Security|Boeing]] +| launch_date = {{Abbr|TBD|To be determined}} +| launch_rocket = [[Atlas V]] N22 +| launch_site = [[Cape Canaveral Space Force Station|Cape Canaveral]], [[Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 41|SLC-41]] +| launch_contractor = [[United Launch Alliance]] +| landing_date = {{Abbr|TBD|To be determined}} +| landing_site = [[White Sands Missile Range]] +| crew_size = 2 +| crew_members = {{Unbulleted list|[[Barry E. Wilmore]]|[[Sunita Williams]]}} +| crew_callsign = +| docking = {{Infobox spaceflight/Dock + | docking_target = [[International Space Station]] + | docking_type = dock + | docking_port = ''[[Harmony (ISS module)|Harmony]]'' forward + | docking_date = TBD (planned) + | undocking_date = TBD (planned) + | time_docked = TBD (planned) + }} +| orbit_reference = [[Geocentric orbit]] +| orbit_regime = [[Low Earth orbit]] +| orbit_inclination = 51.66° +| apsis = gee +| insignia = Boeing Starliner Crewed Flight Test Patch.jpg +| insignia_caption = Boeing Crew Flight Test Patch +| insignia_size = 200px +| crew_photo = Boeing CFT Crew Portrait - Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore (KSC-20240404-PH-NAS01 0001).jpg +| crew_photo_caption = Williams (left) and Wilmore (Right) +| crew_photo_size = 300px +| programme = '''[[Commercial Crew Development]]''' +| previous_mission = [[Boeing Orbital Flight Test 2|Boeing OFT 2]] +| next_mission = +| programme2 = '''[[Boeing Starliner#List of flights|Boeing Starliner flights]]''' +| previous_mission2 = [[Boeing Orbital Flight Test 2|Boeing OFT 2]] +| next_mission2 = [[Boeing Starliner-1]] +}} + +'''Boeing Crew Flight Test''' ('''Boe-CFT''') will be the first crewed mission of the [[Boeing Starliner]] and the third orbital flight test of the Starliner overall after the two uncrewed orbital flight tests, [[Boeing Orbital Flight Test|Boe-OFT]] and [[Boeing Orbital Flight Test 2|Boe-OFT 2]] in 2019 and 2022. The flight was scheduled for liftoff at 2:34 AM on 7 May UTC time (May 6, 2024 at 10:34 PM EDT time), but was scrubbed about two hours before liftoff.{{Cite news |last=Speck |first=Emilee |date=2024-05-05 |title=Watch live: Boeing Starliner ready to launch NASA astronauts from Florida |url=https://www.foxweather.com/earth-space/boeing-starliner-nasa-astronaut-launch-cft |access-date=2024-05-07 |work=[[Fox Weather]] |language=en-US}}{{cite web |author = William Harwood |date = May 6, 2024 |title = Starliner launch scrubbed by trouble with a valve in the Atlas 5’s Centaur upper stage |url = https://spaceflightnow.com/2024/05/07/starliner-launch-scrubbed-by-trouble-with-a-valve-in-the-atlas-5s-centaur-upper-stage/ |work = Spaceflight Now |access-date = May 6, 2024 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240507022259/https://spaceflightnow.com/2024/05/07/starliner-launch-scrubbed-by-trouble-with-a-valve-in-the-atlas-5s-centaur-upper-stage/ |archive-date = May 7, 2024 |url-status = live}} + +The first crewed test flight test was initially planned to occur in 2017.{{cite news|url=https://blogs.nasa.gov/commercialcrew/2014/09/16/boeing-and-spacex-selected-to-build-americas-new-crew-space-transportation-system/|title=Boeing and SpaceX Selected to Build America's New Crew Space Transportation System|publisher=NASA|date=September 16, 2014|access-date=April 1, 2023}} Various delays pushed the launch of the CFT mission to no earlier than 21 July 2023, but Boeing announced in August 2023 that it would be delayed to no earlier than March 2024 due to issues with the parachute system and wiring harnesses and further investigations.{{cite news |last1=Berger |first1=Eric |title=Starliner undergoing three independent investigations as flight slips to 2024|url=https://arstechnica.com/space/2023/08/starliner-undergoing-three-independent-investigations-as-flight-slips-to-2024/ |work=Ars Technica |date=August 7, 2023 |language=en-us}} + +The mission will entail flying a crew of two NASA astronauts to the [[International Space Station]] for a one-week test flight, and then returning the crew via a ground-landing in the American Southwest. The spacecraft was integrated with the Atlas launch vehicle on 16 April 2024 in preparation for launch.{{Cite web |title=Boeing, ULA roll Starliner spacecraft out to pad 41 ahead of Crew Flight Test launch in May – Spaceflight Now |url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2024/04/16/boeing-ula-roll-starliner-spacecraft-out-to-pad-41-ahead-of-crew-flight-test-launch-in-may/ |access-date=2024-04-16 |language=en-US}} + +== Capsule == +CFT will be the second mission for the Starliner Calypso capsule, which was first used on the first OFT mission. NASA announced that Boeing prepared to reassemble the vehicle for flight, following multiple checkouts, for the CFT mission in August 2020, and that new parachutes and airbags would be fitted. The CFT capsule's docking system was modified to accommodate the new re-entry cover that debuted on the OFT 2 test flight. + +== Crew == +[[Nicole Aunapu Mann]] was initially assigned to this mission, which would have made her the first woman to fly on the maiden crewed flight of an orbital spacecraft, but was subsequently reassigned to the [[SpaceX Crew-5]] mission as the first female commander of a NASA [[Commercial Crew Program]] launch. Due to medical reasons, [[Eric Boe]], who was originally assigned to the mission in August 2018 as pilot was replaced by [[Michael Fincke]] on 22 January 2019. Boe will replace Fincke as the assistant to the chief for commercial crew in the astronaut office at NASA's [[Johnson Space Center]]. Boeing astronaut [[Christopher Ferguson|Chris Ferguson]] was originally assigned to the flight as commander, but he was replaced by NASA astronaut [[Barry E. Wilmore|Barry Wilmore]] on 7 October 2020. Ferguson cited family reasons for the replacement. [[Matthew Dominick]] replaced him on the backup crew. + +On 18 April 2022, NASA said that it had not finalized which of the cadre of Starliner astronauts, including [[Barry Wilmore]], [[Michael Fincke]], and [[Sunita Williams]], will fly on this mission or the first operational Starliner mission. On 16 June 2022, NASA confirmed that this CFT mission will be a two-person flight test, consisting of Wilmore and Williams; Fincke is to train as the backup spacecraft test pilot and remains eligible for assignment to a future mission.{{Cite web |last=Potter |first=Sean |date=2022-06-16 |title=NASA Updates Astronaut Assignments for Boeing Starliner Test Flight |url=http://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-updates-astronaut-assignments-for-boeing-starliner-test-flight |access-date=2022-06-17 |website=NASA}} Williams is expected to become the first woman to fly on the maiden crewed flight of an orbital spacecraft type ([[Judith Resnik]] was the first female crew member on the maiden flight of an orbital spacecraft, the [[Space Shuttle]] [[Space Shuttle Discovery|''Discovery'']], followed by [[Kathryn Thornton]] on [[Space Shuttle Endeavour|''Endeavour'']], [[Shannon Walker]] on [[SpaceX Dragon 2|Crew Dragon]] [[Crew Dragon Resilience|''Resilience'']], [[Kayla Barron]] on [[Crew Dragon Endurance|''Endurance'']], and [[Samantha Cristoforetti]] and [[Jessica Watkins]] on [[Crew Dragon Freedom|''Freedom'']]). + +{{Spaceflight crew +|crew = prime +|terminology = Crew member +|position1 = Spacecraft Commander +|crew1_up = {{flagicon|USA}} [[Barry Eugene Wilmore]] +|agency1_up = [[NASA]] +|flights1_up = Third +|expedition1_up = + +|position2 = Pilot +|crew2_up = {{flagicon|USA}} [[Sunita Williams]] + +|agency2_up = [[NASA]] +|flights2_up = Third +|expedition2_up = + +}} + +{{Spaceflight crew +|crew = backup +|terminology = Crew member +|position1 = Spacecraft Commander +|crew1_up = {{flagicon|USA}} [[Michael Fincke]] +|agency1_up = [[NASA]] +|flights1_up = +|expedition1_up = +}} + +== Mission == +The third launch of the [[Atlas V]] N22 variant will launch Starliner with a crew of two. The vehicle will dock with the [[International Space Station]], and return to [[Earth]] under parachutes for a ground-landing in the United States. The capsule will approach the ground at approximately {{convert|4|mph}}, and will land on six inflatable air bags. The capsule has been refurbished for its second flight. It was originally flown on the first OFT mission for the Starliner capsule. + +This will be the first launch of a crewed spacecraft by an Atlas V launch vehicle. In addition, Boe-CFT will be the first launch of a crewed spacecraft utilising a member of the [[Atlas (rocket family)|Atlas]] family of launch vehicles since [[Project Mercury]] in the early 1960's,{{cite news |last=Sloan |first=Kaycee |url=https://www.wfla.com/glance-at-the-galaxy/astronauts-to-launch-from-cape-canaveral-for-first-human-spaceflight-in-nearly-56-years/ |title=Astronauts to launch from Cape Canaveral for first human spaceflight in nearly 56 years |work=[[WFLA-TV]] |date=2024-05-01 |access-date=2024-05-03}} and the first launch of a crewed spacecraft from [[Cape Canaveral Space Force Station]] since that of [[Apollo 7]] in October 1968. + +Based upon current space station resources and scheduling needs, a short duration mission with two astronaut test pilots is sufficient to meet all NASA and Boeing test objectives for CFT, which include demonstrating Starliner's ability to safely fly operational crewed missions to and from the space station. To protect against unforeseen events with crew transportation to and from the station, NASA may extend the duration of the CFT docking for up to six months. + +== See also == +{{Portal|Spaceflight}} +* [[Commercial Crew Development]] +* [[SpaceX Dragon 2]] +* [[Crew Dragon Demo-2]], SpaceX's first crewed mission of their capsule + +== References == +{{Reflist|refs= + +{{cite news |last1=Evans |first1=Ben |title=Lindgren, Hines Assigned to Crew-4 Dragon Mission, Will Launch Next Year |url=https://www.americaspace.com/2021/02/13/lindgren-hines-assigned-to-crew-4-dragon-mission-will-launch-next-year/ |access-date=18 May 2022 |work=AmericaSpace.com |date=13 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220518113036/https://www.americaspace.com/2021/02/13/lindgren-hines-assigned-to-crew-4-dragon-mission-will-launch-next-year/ |archive-date=18 May 2022 |url-status=live }} + +{{cite press release|url=https://www.nasa.gov/feature/nasa-announces-updated-crew-assignment-for-boeing-flight-test|title=NASA Announces Updated Crew Assignment for Boeing Flight Test|last=Granath|first=Bob|date=22 January 2019|publisher=NASA|access-date=24 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220518113335/https://www.nasa.gov/feature/nasa-announces-updated-crew-assignment-for-boeing-flight-test/ |archive-date=18 May 2022 |url-status=live }} {{PD-notice}} + +{{cite press release|url=https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-announces-astronaut-changes-for-upcoming-commercial-crew-missions |title=NASA Announces Astronaut Changes for Upcoming Commercial Crew Missions |date=6 October 2021 |last1=Potter |first1=Sean |publisher=NASA |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220518114054/https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-announces-astronaut-changes-for-upcoming-commercial-crew-missions |archive-date=18 May 2022 |url-status=live }} + +{{cite news|last1=Roulette|first1=Joey|title=Boeing's top Starliner astronaut pulls out of space mission role|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKBN26S2IC|work=Reuters|date=7 October 2020|access-date=7 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220518112633/https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKBN26S2IC |archive-date=18 May 2022 |url-status=live }} + +{{cite news|url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2020/08/25/boeing-plans-second-starliner-test-flight-in-december-or-january/|title=Boeing plans second Starliner test flight in December 2020 or January 2021|last1=Clark |first1=Stephen|work=Spaceflight Now|date=25 August 2020|access-date=26 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220518113810/https://spaceflightnow.com/2020/08/25/boeing-plans-second-starliner-test-flight-in-december-or-january/ |archive-date=18 May 2022 |url-status=live }} + +{{Cite news |last=Clark |first=Stephen |title=Starliner astronauts eager to see results of crew capsule test flight|url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2022/05/18/starliner-astronauts-eager-to-see-results-of-crew-capsule-test-flight/ |date=18 May 2022 |access-date=19 May 2022 |work=Spaceflight Now |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220523130644/https://spaceflightnow.com/2022/05/18/starliner-astronauts-eager-to-see-results-of-crew-capsule-test-flight/ |archive-date=23 May 2022 |url-status=live }} + +{{cite web |last=Foust |first=Jeff |url=https://spacenews.com/starliner-crewed-test-flight-delayed-to-july/ |title=Starliner crewed test flight delayed to July |work=[[SpaceNews]] |date=29 March 2023 |access-date=30 March 2023}} + +}} + +{{Starliner spaceflights}} +{{Manned ISS flights}} +{{Future spaceflights}} + +[[Category:Boeing Starliner]] +[[Category:2024 in spaceflight]] +[[Category:Future human spaceflights]] +[[Category:2024 in the United States]] diff --git a/en.wikipedia.org/Boeing Starliner/article.txt b/en.wikipedia.org/Boeing Starliner/article.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..f804419 --- /dev/null +++ b/en.wikipedia.org/Boeing Starliner/article.txt @@ -0,0 +1,428 @@ +{{Short description|Class of partially reusable crew capsules}} +{{redirect-distinguish|Rosie the Rocketeer|Rosie the Rocketer|Rosie the Riveter}} +{{Use American English|date=June 2020}} +{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2022}} +{{Infobox spacecraft class +| name = Boeing Starliner +| names_list = Boeing CST-100 +| image = Boeing's Starliner crew ship approaches the space station (iss067e066735) (cropped).jpg +| image_caption = [[Boeing Starliner Spacecraft 2]] approaching the ISS in May 2022, during [[Orbital Flight Test 2]] +| image_size = +| manufacturer = [[Boeing]] +| country = United States +| operator = Boeing +| applications = [[International Space Station|ISS]] crew and cargo transport +| spacecraft_type = Crewed capsule +| design_life = {{plainlist| +* 60 hrs. (free flight){{cite conference |chapter-url=http://www.boeing.com/assets/pdf/defense-space/space/ccts/docs/Space_2011_Boeing.pdf |chapter=Design Considerations for a Commercial Crew Transportation System |conference=AIAA SPACE 2011 Conference & Exposition. September 27–29, 2011. Long Beach, California |first1=Keith |last1=Reiley |first2=Michael |last2=Burghardt |first3=Michael |last3=Wood |first4=Jay |last4=Ingham |first5=Michael |last5=Lembeck |title=AIAA SPACE 2011 Conference & Exposition |year=2011 |doi=10.2514/6.2011-7101 |isbn=978-1-60086-953-2 |access-date=May 9, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130501135247/http://www.boeing.com/assets/pdf/defense-space/space/ccts/docs/Space_2011_Boeing.pdf |archive-date=May 1, 2013 |url-status=dead}} +* 210 days (docked){{cite news|url=http://aviationweek.com/awin/boeing-refines-cst-100-commercial-crew-capsule-approach|title=Boeing Refines {{nowrap|CST-100}} Commercial Crew Capsule Approach|publisher=Aviation Week|first=Mark|last=Carreau|date=July 24, 2013|access-date=May 8, 2014}} +}} +| launch_mass = {{cvt|13,000|kg}} +| dry_mass = +| payload_capacity = To [[ISS]]: 4 crew and {{cvt|100|kg}} cargo{{cite news|url=https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/commercial_crew_press_kit_2.pdf?emrc=d5924a|title=Commercial Crew Program Press it|publisher=NASA|date=October 1, 2015|access-date=March 28, 2024}}{{efn|The first piloted [[Boeing Crewed Flight Test]] mission carries 2 crew plus {{cvt|344|kg}} of cargo.{{cite news|url=https://www.boeing.com/features/2024/02/packing-starliner-cargo-is-a-balancing-act|title=Packing Starliner cargo is a balancing act|publisher=Boeing|date=February 28, 2024|access-date=March 28, 2024}}}} +| crew_capacity = Up to 7 +| dimensions = +| volume = {{cvt|11|m3}}{{cite web|url=http://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/cst-100.htm|title=Starliner (CST-100)|publisher=Gunther's Space Page|first=Gunther|last=Krebs|date=April 2017|access-date=April 11, 2017}} +| power = +| batteries = +| equipment = +| orbits = [[Low Earth orbit]] +| status = In development and testing +| built = 3 +| orders = +| launched = 2 +| operational = +| retired = 1 +| failed = +| lost = +| first = December 20, 2019, 11:36:43 [[Coordinated Universal Time|UTC]] (uncrewed) +| last = May 19, 2022, 22:54:47 +| lastretired = +| insignia = Boeing Starliner logo.svg +| insignia_caption = +| insignia_size = 200px +| diameter = {{cvt|4.56|m|0}}{{cite web|url=http://www.boeing.com/assets/pdf/defense-space/space/ccts/docs/CCDev2%20Boeing%20CST-100%20Overview.pdf|title=Boeing CST-100: Commercial Crew Transportation System|publisher=Boeing|first=Mike|last=Burghardt|date=August 2011|access-date=May 8, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130501134630/http://www.boeing.com/assets/pdf/defense-space/space/ccts/docs/CCDev2%20Boeing%20CST-100%20Overview.pdf|archive-date=May 1, 2013|url-status=dead}} +| length = {{cvt|5.03|m}} (CM and SM) +}} + +The '''Boeing Starliner''' (or '''CST-100'''{{efn|CST is an initialism for Crew Space Transportation.}}) is a class of partially [[reusable spacecraft]] designed to transport crew to the [[International Space Station]] (ISS) and other low-Earth-orbit destinations.{{cite press release |url=http://boeing.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=20295&item=849 |title=Boeing Submits Proposal for NASA Commercial Crew Transport System |publisher=Boeing |first1=Edmund G. |last1=Memi |first2=Adam K. |last2=Morgan |date=September 23, 2009}}{{cite web |url=https://www.americaspace.com/2015/09/04/boeings-new-cst-100-starliner-processing-facility-taking-shape-at-ksc/ |title=Boeing's New CST-100 'Starliner' Processing Facility Taking Shape at KSC |date=September 4, 2015}}[https://www.nasa.gov/specials/ccp-press-kit/main.html NASA.gov]{{PD-notice}} It is manufactured by [[Boeing]], with the [[Commercial Crew Program]] (CCP) of NASA as the anchor customer.{{cite web |url=https://www.boeing.com/space/starliner#customers |title=CST-100 Starliner - Customers |publisher=Boeing}} The spacecraft consists of a reusable [[Space capsule|crew capsule]] and an expendable service module. + +The capsule has a diameter of {{Convert|4.56|m|4=0|order=flip}}, slightly larger than either the [[Apollo command and service module#Command module (CM)|Apollo command module]] or SpaceX [[SpaceX Dragon 2|Crew Dragon]] and smaller than the Artemis [[Orion (spacecraft)|Orion capsule]]. Starliner can hold a crew of up to seven people and can remain docked to the ISS for up to seven months. The Starliner capsule is designed for reuse on up to ten missions.{{cite web |url=http://www.boeing.com/space/crew-space-transportation-100-vehicle |title=Boeing: Crew Space Transportation (CST) System |publisher=Boeing |access-date=January 25, 2016}} Starliner is launched on [[Atlas V]] from [[Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 41|Space Launch Complex 41]] at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. + +After several rounds of competitive development contracts within the Commercial Crew Program starting in 2010, NASA selected Starliner, along with the SpaceX Crew Dragon, for the [[Development of the Commercial Crew Program#CCtCap|Commercial Crew Transportation Capability]] (CCtCap) contract round.{{cite press release |url=http://boeing.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=20295&item=1054|title=NASA Selects Boeing for American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Award to Study Crew Capsule-based Design|publisher=Boeing|first1=Edmund G. |last1=Memi|first2=Michael N.|last2=Gold|date=February 2, 2010}}{{cite news|url=http://aviationweek.com/awin/five-vehicles-vie-future-us-human-spaceflight|title=Five Vehicles Vie For Future Of U.S. Human Spaceflight|publisher=Aviation Week|first=Frank|last=Morring, Jr.|date=April 25, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140509041748/http://aviationweek.com/awin/five-vehicles-vie-future-us-human-spaceflight|archive-date=May 9, 2014|url-status=live|quote="the CCDev-2 awards... went to Blue Origin, Boeing, Sierra Nevada Corp. and Space Exploration Technologies Inc. (SpaceX)}}{{cite news|url=http://spacenews.com/civil/120803-boeing-spacex-sierra-ccicap.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130104234510/http://spacenews.com/civil/120803-boeing-spacex-sierra-ccicap.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 4, 2013|title=Boeing, SpaceX and Sierra Nevada Win CCiCAP Awards |publisher=SpaceNews|date=August 3, 2012}}{{cite news|url=https://blogs.nasa.gov/commercialcrew/2014/09/16/boeing-and-spacex-selected-to-build-americas-new-crew-space-transportation-system/|title=Boeing and SpaceX Selected to Build America's New Crew Space Transportation System|publisher=NASA|date=September 16, 2014|access-date=April 6, 2015}} {{PD-notice}} The first crewed test flight test was initially planned to occur in 2017. + +After a lengthy development process with multiple delays, Boeing flew the [[Boeing Orbital Flight Test 2|Orbital Flight Test 2]] on May 19, 2022. The [[Boeing Crewed Flight Test|Crewed Flight Test]] was tentatively scheduled for a launch date of May 6, 2024, but due to a problem with an oxygen valve on the ULA Atlas rocket, the May 6 launch date was postponed. NASA hopes that the valve issue might be easily solved to enable the rescheduling of the launch over the next few days.{{Cite web |date=4 April 2024 |title=Boeing's 1st Starliner astronaut launch delayed again, to May 6 |url=https://www.space.com/boeing-starliner-cft-astronaut-launch-delay-may-6 |access-date=4 April 2024 |website=Space.com |language=en}}{{cite web |author = William Harwood |date = May 6, 2024 |title = Starliner launch scrubbed by trouble with a valve in the Atlas 5’s Centaur upper stage |url = https://spaceflightnow.com/2024/05/07/starliner-launch-scrubbed-by-trouble-with-a-valve-in-the-atlas-5s-centaur-upper-stage/ |work = Spaceflight Now |access-date = May 6, 2024 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240507022259/https://spaceflightnow.com/2024/05/07/starliner-launch-scrubbed-by-trouble-with-a-valve-in-the-atlas-5s-centaur-upper-stage/ |archive-date = May 7, 2024 |url-status = live}} The May flight is hoped to be the last test flight before Starliner enters operational service with the [[Boeing Starliner-1|Starliner-1]] mission in 2025. + +== Spacecraft characteristics == +[[File:CST-100 mock-up scene.jpg|thumb|upright=1.0|left|Starliner mockup, capsule without service module]] + +The spacecraft consists of a reusable capsule and an expendable service module and is designed for missions to [[low Earth orbit]]. The capsule accommodates seven passengers, or a mix of crew and cargo. For NASA missions to the ISS it will carry four passengers and a small amount of cargo. The Starliner capsule uses a weldless, spun-formed, structure and is reusable up to 10 times with a six-month turnaround time. Boeing plans to alternate between two reusable crew modules for all planned Starliner missions. Each flight uses a new service module, which provides propulsion and power-generation capacity for the spacecraft. Starliner features wireless Internet and tablet technology for crew interfaces.{{cite web|url=http://www.boeing.com/space/starliner/|title=A 21st Century Space Capsule|publisher=Boeing|access-date=August 29, 2020}} + +Starliner uses the [[NASA Docking System]].{{cite news|url=http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/08/nasa-outlines-plans-commercial-crew-certification/|title=NASA Outlines its Plans for Commercial Crew Certification|publisher=NASASpaceFlight.com|first=Yves-A.|last=Grondin|date=August 5, 2013}}{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGZWIR0Prhk&t=26m57s |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/yGZWIR0Prhk |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |url-status=live |title=Commercial Space Flight Panel |website=youtube.com |publisher=SpaceUp Houston |year=2011}}{{cbignore}}{{cite web|url=http://www.parabolicarc.com/2011/03/23/22339/|title=Update on Boeing CST-100 Crew program |publisher=Parabolic Arc|first=Doug|last=Messier|date=March 23, 2011}} Boeing modified the design of the Starliner docking system prior to OFT-2, adding a re-entry cover below the expendable nosecone for additional protection during [[atmospheric entry]], similar to the one used in the [[SpaceX Dragon 2]] nosecone. This was tested on the OFT-2 mission. As in the SpaceX design this re-entry cover is hinged. + +The capsule uses the Boeing Lightweight Ablator for its re-entry [[heat shield]].{{cite news |url=http://www.spaceflightinsider.com/missions/commercial/boeings-cst-100-takes-shape-at-former-nasa-facility/ |title=Boeing's CST-100 takes shape at former NASA facility |publisher=Spaceflight Insider |first=Joe |last=Latrell |date=July 28, 2015 |access-date=August 3, 2018}} + +[[Solar cell]]s provided by Boeing subsidiary [[Spectrolab]] are installed onto the aft face of the service module, providing 2.9 [[kW]] of electricity.{{cite web |url=http://www.compoundsemi.com/spectrolab-solar-cells-power-boeings-starliner-spacecraft/ |title=Spectrolab Solar Cells to Power Boeing's Starliner Spacecraft |date=November 17, 2016 |access-date=August 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180805083305/http://www.compoundsemi.com/spectrolab-solar-cells-power-boeings-starliner-spacecraft/ |archive-date=August 5, 2018 |url-status=dead}} The service module includes four Rocketdyne [[RS-88]] engines burning [[hypergolic propellant]]s, which will be used for [[launch escape system|launch escape capability]] in the event of an abort.{{cite web|last1=Weitering|first1=Hanneke|date=April 24, 2019|title=The Emergency Launch Abort Systems of SpaceX and Boeing Explained|url=https://www.space.com/launch-abort-systems-of-spacex-boeing.html|access-date=February 6, 2020|publisher=SPACE.com}} + +In addition to the capsule and service module, a {{cvt|1.78|m||adj=mid|-long}} structure called an aeroskirt is integrated into the launch vehicle adapter of Atlas V. The aeroskirt provides aerodynamic stability and dampens the shock waves that come from the front of the rocket.{{cite news|title=Boeing's Starliner Atlas V Rocket Ride Is Wearing a 'Skirt' for Launch. Here's Why.|author=Mike Wall |date=December 19, 2019|url=https://www.space.com/boeing-starliner-atlas-v-rocket-aeroskirt-explained.html|website=space.com|access-date=April 2, 2023}} + +==History== +{{further|Development of the Commercial Crew Program}} +[[File:KSC-20180619-PH BOE01 0004 (41276984680).jpg|thumb|right|2018 Starliner assembly process]] +Starliner was unveiled in 2010 as the ''CST-100'', as Boeing's first commercially developed [[space capsule]], where the company would take on the financial risk for development, rather than the US government under [[cost-plus contract]]ing. The company stated that the capsule would draw upon Boeing's experience with NASA's [[Apollo program|Apollo]], [[Space Shuttle]] and [[International Space Station|ISS]] programs as well as the [[Orbital Express]] project sponsored by the Department of Defense.{{cite news |url=http://www.spaceflightnow.com/news/n1007/21boeing/ |title=Boeing space capsule could be operational by 2015 |work=Spaceflight Now |first=Stephen |last=Clark |date=July 21, 2010 |accessdate=September 18, 2011}} The new design was intended to be compatible with multiple launch vehicles, including the [[United Launch Alliance|ULA]] [[Atlas V]] and [[Delta IV]], and the [[SpaceX]] [[Falcon 9]] at the time,{{cite conference |url=http://www.aiaa.org/pdf/industry/presentations/Lindenmoyer_C3PO.pdf |title=Commercial Crew and Cargo Program |conference=13th Annual FAA Commercial Space Transportation Conference February 10–11, 2010 Arlington, Virginia |first=Alan |last=Lindenmoyer |year=2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100305034240/http://www.aiaa.org/pdf/industry/presentations/Lindenmoyer_C3PO.pdf |archive-date=March 5, 2010}}{{cite news |url=https://www.space.com/41367-commercial-crew-spacecraft-starliner-dragon.html|title=Crew Dragon and Starliner: A Look at the Upcoming Astronaut Taxis |last=Wall|first=Mike |publisher=SPACE.com|date=August 3, 2018|access-date=August 29, 2020}} In July 2010, Boeing stated that the capsule could be operational as early as 2015 with sufficient near-term approvals and funding. + +In October 2011, NASA announced that the [[Orbiter Processing Facility|Orbiter Processing Facility-3]] at [[Kennedy Space Center]] would be leased to Boeing for manufacture and test of Starliner, through a partnership with [[Space Florida]].{{cite press release |url=http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2011/oct/HQ_11-349_KSC_Agreement.html |title=NASA Signs Agreement with Space Florida to Reuse Kennedy Facilities |publisher=NASA |first1=David |last1=Weaver |first2=Michael |last2=Curie |first3=Amber |last3=Philman |first4=Tina |last4=Lange |first5=Paula |last5=Korn |date=October 31, 2011}} {{PD-notice}} + +On September 16, 2014, NASA chose Boeing (Starliner) and [[SpaceX]] ([[SpaceX Dragon 2|Crew Dragon]]) as the two companies to be funded to develop systems to transport U.S. government crews to and from the International Space Station. Boeing won a US$4.2 billion contract to complete and certify the Starliner by 2017, while SpaceX won a US$2.6 billion contract to complete and certify their crewed Dragon spacecraft. The contracts include at least one crewed flight test with at least one NASA astronaut aboard. Once the Starliner achieves NASA certification, the initial contract required Boeing to conduct at least two, and as many as six, crewed missions to the space station.{{cite web |url=http://www.nasa.gov/press/2014/september/nasa-chooses-american-companies-to-transport-us-astronauts-to-international |title=NASA Chooses American Companies to Transport U.S. Astronauts to International Space Station |publisher=NASA |first1=Stephanie |last1=Schierholz |first2=Stephanie |last2=Martin |date=September 16, 2014 |access-date=September 18, 2014}} {{PD-notice}} NASA's [[William H. Gerstenmaier]] had considered the Starliner proposal as stronger than the Crew Dragon and [[Sierra Nevada Corporation|Sierra Nevada]]'s [[Dream Chaser]] spacecraft.{{cite news|url=http://aviationweek.com/space/why-nasa-rejected-sierra-nevadas-commercial-crew-vehicle|title=Why NASA Rejected Sierra Nevada's Commercial Crew Vehicle|publisher=Aviation Week|first=Guy|last=Norris|date=October 11, 2014|access-date=October 13, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141013135535/http://aviationweek.com/space/why-nasa-rejected-sierra-nevadas-commercial-crew-vehicle|archive-date=October 13, 2014|url-status=dead}} +{{As of|2014}}, the capsule was to include one [[spaceflight participant|space tourist]] seat, and the Boeing contract with NASA would allow Boeing to price and sell [[space transport|passage]] to low-Earth orbit using that seat.{{cite news |url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/boeing-space-taxi-has-tourist-seat-1.2770088 |title=Boeing space taxi has tourist seat |publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Company |agency=Thomson Reuters |date=September 18, 2014 |accessdate=January 7, 2017}} + +On September 4, 2015, Boeing announced that the spacecraft would officially be called the CST-100 Starliner, evoking connections to the company's airliners.{{cite news|url=http://spaceflightnow.com/2015/09/04/boeing-names-its-commercial-spaceship-the-starliner/|title=Enter the Starliner: Boeing names its commercial spaceship|publisher=Spaceflight Now|first=Stephen|last=Clark|date=September 4, 2015|access-date=September 4, 2015}} In November 2015, NASA announced that it had dropped Boeing from consideration in the multibillion-dollar [[Commercial Resupply Services]] competition to fly cargo to the International Space Station.{{cite news |url=http://www.spaceflightinsider.com/missions/commercial/nasa-delays-crs-2-awards-again-drops-boeing-from-consideration/ |title=NASA delays CRS 2 awards again, drops Boeing from consideration |publisher=Spaceflight Insider |first=Jason |last=Rhian |date=November 6, 2015 |access-date=November 21, 2015}} + +In May 2016, Boeing delayed its first scheduled Starliner launch from 2017 to early 2018.{{cite news|url=https://arstechnica.com/science/2016/05/boeings-first-flight-slips-its-now-up-to-spacex-to-wean-nasa-off-russia/|title=Boeing's first crewed Starliner launch slips to 2018|publisher=Ars Technica|first=Eric|last=Berger|date=May 11, 2016|access-date=April 6, 2018}} Then in October 2016, Boeing delayed its program by six months, from early 2018 to late 2018, following supplier holdups and a production problem on the Spacecraft 2. By 2016, they were hoping to fly NASA astronauts to the ISS by December 2018.{{cite news|url=https://arstechnica.com/science/2016/10/boeing-delays-starliner-again-casting-doubt-on-commercial-flights-in-2018/|title=Boeing delays Starliner again, casting doubt on commercial flights in 2018|publisher=Ars Technica|first=Eric|last=Berger|date=October 11, 2016|access-date=April 6, 2018}}{{cite news |url=http://aviationweek.com/new-space/boeing-delays-cst-100-still-targets-2018-iss-mission|title=Boeing Delays CST-100, Still Targets 2018 ISS Mission|publisher=Aviation Week & Space Technology|first=Guy |last=Norris|date=October 10, 2016|access-date=October 11, 2016}} + +In April 2018, NASA suggested that the first planned two-person flight of the Starliner, then slated for November 2018, would likely be in 2019 or 2020. It was expected to carry one additional crew member and extra supplies. Instead of staying for two weeks, as originally planned, NASA said that the expanded crew could stay at the station for as long as six months as a normal rotational flight.{{cite news|url=https://spacenews.com/nasa-inspector-general-criticizes-additional-boeing-commercial-crew-payments/|title=NASA, Boeing Signal Regular Missions to Space Station to Be Delayed |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal|first=Andy|last=Pasztor|date=April 5, 2018|access-date=April 6, 2018}} + +In November 2019, NASA's Office of Inspector General released a report revealing that a change to Boeing's contract had occurred in 2016,{{cite news|url=https://spacenews.com/nasa-inspector-general-criticizes-additional-boeing-commercial-crew-payments/|title=NASA inspector general criticizes additional Boeing commercial crew payments|publisher=SpaceNews.com|first=Jeff|last=Foust|date=November 14, 2019|access-date=October 28, 2021}} stating: "For Boeing's third through sixth crewed missions, we found that NASA agreed to pay an additional $287.2 million above Boeing's fixed prices to mitigate a perceived 18-month gap in ISS flights anticipated in 2019 and to ensure the contractor continued as a second commercial crew provider", and NASA and Boeing committed to six missions instead of the last four being optional.{{cite web |title=NASA's Management of Crew Transportation to the International Space Station |url=https://oig.nasa.gov/docs/IG-20-005.pdf |website=OIG.NASA.gov |date=November 14, 2019|access-date=October 28, 2021}} + +After the failure of its first uncrewed orbital test flight in late 2019, NASA agreed that Boeing would fund another uncrewed orbital test, [[Boeing Orbital Flight Test 2|OFT 2]], in August 2021. That launch was stopped late in the countdown due to valve problems. By late September 2021, Boeing had not determined the root cause of the problem, and the flight was delayed indefinitely. After analysis and corrective actions it was launched on May 19, 2022, and completed a successful mission to the ISS, clearing the way for the crewed flight test.{{cite web |url=https://arstechnica.com/science/2022/07/yes-boeings-starliner-spacecraft-really-could-fly-astronauts-this-year/ |title=Yes, Boeing's Starliner spacecraft really could fly astronauts this year |date=July 1, 2022 |access-date=July 1, 2022 |first=Eric |last=Berger |website= Ars Technica}} + +After various delays pushed the planned launch of the [[Boeing Crewed Flight Test|Crewed Flight Test]] to July 2023,{{cite web |last=Foust |first=Jeff |url=https://spacenews.com/starliner-crewed-test-flight-delayed-to-july/ |title=Starliner crewed test flight delayed to July |work=[[SpaceNews]] |date=29 March 2023 |access-date=30 March 2023}} Boeing announced in June 2023 that it would delay indefinitely due to issues with the parachute system and wiring harnesses.{{cite news |last1=Berger |first1=Eric |title=Boeing finds two serious problems with Starliner just weeks before launch |url=https://arstechnica.com/space/2023/06/boeing-stands-down-from-starliner-launch-to-address-recently-found-problems/ |work=Ars Technica |date=June 1, 2023 |language=en-us}} The mission entails flying a crew of two NASA astronauts to the [[International Space Station]] for a one-week test flight. + +=== Funding === +[[File:Touch Down During CST-100 Test.jpg|thumb|right|Touch down during CST-100 test]] +Boeing funded development of Starliner in 2010 only after both commercial space station opportunities and NASA commercial crew contracts on offer allowed the [[business case]] to close. While the company had received $18 million under the NASA [[Commercial Crew Development]] (CCDev) contract by 2010 for early design work, substantial Boeing private funds would be required to complete development, even with Boeing competing for additional NASA contracts. This exposed Boeing to ordinary business financial risk that had not been a large part of traditional [[cost-plus contract]]ing that Boeing had previously done for work on space capsules. + +Boeing was awarded a US$92.3 million contract by NASA in April 2011 to continue to develop the CST-100 under [[Commercial Crew Development#CCDev 2|CCDev phase 2]].{{cite news |url=http://space.flatoday.net/2011/04/nasa-awards-270-million-for-commercial.html|title=NASA awards US$270 million for commercial crew efforts|newspaper=Florida Today|series=The Flame Trench|first=James |last=Dean|date=April 18, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110419234227/http://space.flatoday.net/2011/04/nasa-awards-270-million-for-commercial.html|archive-date=April 19, 2011}} On August 3, 2012, NASA announced the award of US$460 million to Boeing to continue work on the CST-100 under the [[Commercial Crew Development#Commercial Crew integrated Capability|Commercial Crew Integrated Capability]] (CCiCap) program. + +Due to delays and technical problems, Boeing has taken a number of [[General ledger|charges against earnings]] for the Starliner program by 2022. This includes $410 million in 2020, $185 million in October 2021,{{cite web |url=https://spacepolicyonline.com/news/boeing-takes-additional-185-million-earnings-charge-for-starliner/ |title=Boeing Takes Additional $185 Million Earnings Charge For Starliner |first=Marcia |last=Smith |publisher=SpacePolicyOnline.com |date= October 27, 2021|access-date= October 28, 2021}} and $288 million through the third quarter of 2022.{{cite news |title=Boeing's Starliner charges approach $900 million |url=https://spacenews.com/boeings-starliner-charges-approach-900-million/ |last=Foust|first=Jeff |work=[[SpaceNews]] |date=26 October 2022 |access-date=29 October 2022 }} + +==Launch profile== +The [[Atlas V N22]] (no fairing, two SRBs, and two Centaur engines) launches the Starliner. After passing through the stages of [[max q|max ''q'']], SRB jettison, booster separation, Centaur ignition, nosecone and aeroskirt jettison, it finally releases the Starliner spacecraft at stage separation, nearly 15 minutes after lift-off on a {{cvt|181|km||adj=mid|-high}} suborbital trajectory, just below the [[orbital speed|orbital velocity]] needed to enter a stable orbit around Earth. After separating from the [[Centaur (rocket stage)#Dual Engine Centaur (DEC)|Dual Engine Centaur]], the Starliner's own thrusters, mounted on its service module, boost the spacecraft into orbit to continue its journey to the [[International Space Station]]. + +The suborbital trajectory is unusual for a satellite launch, but it is [[Space Shuttle#Launch|similar to the technique]] used by the [[Space Shuttle]] and [[Space Launch System]]. It makes sure the upper stage of the rocket re-enters the atmosphere in a controlled way. The Starliner's orbit insertion burn begins about 31 minutes into the mission and lasts 45 seconds.{{cite web |url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2022/05/19/boeings-starliner-crew-capsule-takes-off-on-long-awaited-test-flight/ |author=Stephen Clark |title=Boeing's Starliner crew capsule takes off on long-awaited test flight |website=Spaceflight Now |date=May 19, 2022}} + +The N22 configuration is specific to Starliner. All other Atlas V payloads require fairings, but Starliner cannot use a fairing because it must be able to perform a "launch abort". In addition, all other Atlas V payloads use the single-engine version of the Centaur upper stage, but Starliner uses the two-engine version to provide more flexible abort options in the case of failures in the later phases of the launch. These changes increase crew safety. Starliner is the only crewed payload for Atlas V. + +== Development == +[[File:CST-100 pressure vessel.jpg|thumb|upright=1.0|right|Starliner pressure vessel at the former [[Orbiter Processing Facility]] in October 2011, showing its [[isogrid]] construction]] +[[File:Boeing’s Wind Tunnel testing of the CST-100.jpg|thumb|upright=1.0|right|Wind-tunnel testing of Starliner's outer mold line in December 2011]] +The CST-100 (Crew Space Transportation-100) name was first used when the capsule was revealed to the public by [[Bigelow Aerospace]] CEO [[Robert Bigelow]] in June 2010.{{cite press release|url=http://www.commercialspaceflight.org/2010/06/bigelow-aerospace-joins-the-commercial-spaceflight-federation/|title=Bigelow Aerospace Joins the Commercial Spaceflight Federation|publisher=Commercial Spaceflight Federation|first1=John|last1=Gedmark|first2=Mike|last2=Gold|date=June 16, 2010}} The letters CST stand for Crew Space Transportation. It was often reported that the number 100 in the name stands for {{cvt|100|km}}, the height of the [[Kármán line]], which is one of several definitions of the boundary of space.{{cite press release |url=http://boeing.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=20295&item=1323|title=Boeing CST-100 Spacecraft to Provide Commercial Crew Transportation Services|publisher=Boeing|first1=Edmund G.|last1=Memi|first2=Adam K. |last2=Morgan|date=July 19, 2010}}{{cite news|url=http://www.space.com/8785-spaceship-fly-people-private-space-stations.html|title=New Spaceship Could Fly People to Private Space Stations |publisher=SPACE.com|first=Denise|last=Chow|date=July 19, 2010}} The design draws upon Boeing's experience with NASA's [[Apollo program|Apollo]], [[Space Shuttle]] and [[International Space Station|ISS]] programs, as well as the [[Orbital Express]] project sponsored by the [[United States Department of Defense|Department of Defense]]. ([[Boeing Starliner-1|Starliner]] has no [[Orion (spacecraft)|Orion]] heritage, but it is sometimes confused with the earlier and similar Orion-derived [[Orion (spacecraft)|Orion Lite]] proposal that [[Bigelow Aerospace]] was reportedly working on with technical assistance from [[Lockheed Martin]].{{cite news|url=http://www.nbcnews.com/id/32418057/ns/technology_and_science-space/|title=Company pitches 'lite' spaceship to NASA|publisher=NBC News|first=Amy|last=Klamper|date=August 14, 2009|access-date=September 7, 2009}}) + +Receiving the full fixed-price payments for the Commercial Crew Program Phase 1 [[Space Act Agreement]] required a set of specific milestones to be met during 2010:{{cite web |url=http://www.nasa.gov/centers/johnson/pdf/444144main_NNJ10TA03S_boeing_saa.pdf|title=Space Act Agreement Between NASA and The Boeing Company for Commercial Crew Development (CCDev)|author=CCDev |publisher=NASA|date=February 2010}} {{PD-notice}} +* Trade study and down-select between pusher-type and tractor-style [[launch escape system]] +* System definition review +* Abort system hardware demonstration test +* Base heat shield fabrication demonstration +* Avionics systems integration facility demonstration +* CM pressure shell fabrication demonstration +* Landing system demonstration ([[drop test]] and water uprighting test) +* Life-support air revitalization demonstration +* Autonomous rendezvous and docking (AR&D) hardware/software demonstration +* Crew module mockup demonstration. + +Part of the agreement with NASA allows Boeing to sell seats for space tourists on CCP flights to the ISS. Boeing proposed including one seat per flight for a space-flight participant at a price that would be competitive with what [[Roscosmos]] charges tourists.{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/boeing-space-idUSL1N0RI2XY20140917 |title=Boeing's 'space taxi' includes seat for a tourist |work=Reuters |first=Irene |last=Klotz |date=September 17, 2014 |access-date=August 6, 2015 |archive-date=September 24, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924204556/http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/09/17/boeing-space-idUSL1N0RI2XY20140917 |url-status=live}} Under the contract the Starliners are owned and operated by Boeing, not NASA, and Boeing is free to offer non-CCP commercial flights if they do not interfere with the contracted CCP flights. + +Boeing designed the capsule to make airbag-cushioned landings on the ground rather than [[Splashdown|into water]] like earlier US space capsules, with five landing areas planned in the [[Western United States]], enabling ≈450 landing opportunities each year.{{cite news |url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2015/09/22/boeing-identifies-cst-100-prime-landing-sites/ |title=Boeing identifies CST-100 prime landing sites |last=Clark |first=Stephen |publisher=Spaceflight Now |date=22 September 2015 |accessdate=5 August 2018}} + +== Testing == +{{multiple images +| direction = vertical +| align = right +| total_width = 270 +| image1 = CST-100 at Delamar, 2012.jpg +| caption1 = Test of Starliner's airbags in April 2012 +| image2 = CST-100 Starliner - Pad Abort Test,49013402052 f3852e9b3d o.jpg +| caption2 = Starliner ignites its [[RS-88]] abort engines during a pad abort test in November 2019. +| image3 = Erickson Sky Crane helicopter 4312.jpg +| caption3 = An Erickson Sky Crane helicopter, foreground, frames the CST-100, background in 2012. The helicopter ascends to about 7,000 feet above the playa and releases the space capsule. A second parachute drop test is scheduled in May. Again, it will be an Erickson Sky Crane helicopter that lifts and releases the CST-100. +}} + +A variety of validation tests began on [[test article (aerospace)|test articles]] in 2011 and continued on actual spacecraft starting in 2019. + +In September 2011, Boeing announced the completion of a set of ground [[drop test]]s to validate the design of the airbag cushioning system. The airbags are located underneath the heat shield of the Starliner, which is designed to be separated from the capsule while under parachute descent at about {{cvt|1500|m}} altitude. The airbags, manufactured by ILC Dover, are deployed by filling with a mixture of compressed nitrogen and oxygen gas, not with the pyro-explosive mixture sometimes used in automotive [[Airbag#Inflation|airbags]]. The tests were carried out in the [[Mojave Desert]] of southeast California, at ground speeds between {{cvt|10|and|30|mph|order=flip}} in order to simulate crosswind conditions at the time of landing. Bigelow Aerospace built the mobile test rig and conducted the tests.{{cite news|url=http://www.boeing.com/Features/2011/09/bds_cst_100_airbag_09_12_11.html|title=Space capsule tests aim to ensure safe landings|publisher=Boeing|first=Edmund G.|last=Memi|date=September 12, 2011 |access-date=September 18, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110924163725/http://www.boeing.com/Features/2011/09/bds_cst_100_airbag_09_12_11.html|archive-date=September 24, 2011}} + +In April 2012, Boeing dropped a mock-up of its Starliner over the [[Great Basin Desert|Nevada desert]] at the [[Delamar Dry Lake]], [[Nevada]], successfully testing the craft's three main landing parachutes from {{cvt|3400|m}}.{{cite news|url=http://www.spaceflightnow.com/news/n1204/03cst100drop/|title=Parachutes for Boeing crew capsule tested over Nevada|publisher=Spaceflight Now|first=Stephen|last=Clark |date=April 3, 2012|access-date=April 3, 2012}} + +In August 2013, Boeing announced that two NASA astronauts evaluated communications, ergonomics, and crew-interface aspects of the Starliner, showing how future astronauts will operate in the spacecraft as it transports them to the International Space Station and other [[low Earth orbit]] destinations.{{cite news|url=http://nysebigstage.com/articles/boeing-aviationday|title=Boeing Space Capsule One Step Closer to Orbit|publisher=NYSE Big Stage|date=August 19, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004212749/http://nysebigstage.com/articles/boeing-aviationday|archive-date=October 4, 2013}} + +Boeing reported in May 2016 that its test schedule would slip by eight months in order to reduce the mass of the spacecraft, address aerodynamics issues anticipated during launch and ascent on the Atlas V rocket, and meet new NASA-imposed software requirements.{{cite news|url=http://spacenews.com/boeing-delays-first-crewed-cst-100-flight-to-2018/|title=Boeing delays first crewed CST-100 flight to 2018|publisher=SpaceNews|first=Jeff |last=Foust|date=May 12, 2016}} The [[Boeing Orbital Flight Test|Orbital Flight Test]] was scheduled for spring 2019. The booster for this Orbital Flight Test, an [[Atlas V|Atlas V N22]] rocket, was assembled at [[United Launch Alliance]]'s (ULA) facility at [[Decatur, Alabama]] by the end of 2017.{{cite news|url=http://www.spaceflightinsider.com/organizations/boeing/boeing-cst-100-starliner-one-step-closer-flight-completion-dcr/|title=Boeing CST-100 Starliner one step closer to flight with completion of DCR|publisher=Spaceflight Insider|first=Jason|last=Rhian|date=January 4, 2018|access-date=April 8, 2018}} The first crewed flight ([[Boeing Crewed Flight Test|Boe-CFT]]) was scheduled for summer 2019, pending test results from [[Boeing Orbital Flight Test|Boe-OFT]]. It was planned to last 14 days and carry one NASA astronaut and one Boeing test pilot to the ISS.{{cite news|url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2017/11/boeing-starliner-trio-test-flights/|title=Boeing Starliner trio preparing for test flights|publisher=NASASpaceFlight.com|first=Chris|last=Bergin|date=November 27, 2017|access-date=April 8, 2018}} On April 5, 2018, NASA announced that the first planned two-person flight, originally slated for November 2018, was likely to occur in 2019 or 2020.{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/nasa-boeing-signal-regular-missions-to-space-station-to-be-delayed-1522984513|title=NASA, Boeing Signal Regular Missions to Space Station to Be Delayed|newspaper=The Wall Street Journal|first=Andy|last=Pasztor|date=April 5, 2018|access-date=April 8, 2018}} In July 2018, Boeing announced the assignment of former NASA astronaut [[Christopher Ferguson]] to the Boe-CFT mission. On August 3, 2018, NASA named its first Commercial Crew astronaut cadre of four veteran astronauts to work with SpaceX and Boeing: [[Bob Behnken|Robert Behnken]], [[Eric Boe]], [[Sunita Williams]], and [[Doug Hurley|Douglas Hurley]].{{cite web|url=https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-assigns-crews-to-first-test-flights-missions-on-commercial-spacecraft|title=NASA Assigns Crews to First Test Flights, Missions on Commercial Spacecraft|publisher=NASA|author=NASA Commercial Crew|date=August 3, 2018|access-date=August 3, 2018}} {{PD-notice}} + +In July 2018, a test anomaly was reported in which there was a [[hypergolic propellant]] leak due to several faulty abort-system valves. Consequentially, the first unpiloted orbital mission was delayed to April 2019, and the first crew launch rescheduled to August 2019.{{cite web|url=https://blogs.nasa.gov/commercialcrew/2018/10/04/nasas-commercial-crew-program-target-test-flight-dates-4/ |title=NASA's Commercial Crew Program Target Test Flight Dates|date=October 4, 2018|access-date=October 5, 2018}} {{PD-notice}}{{cite web |url=https://blogs.nasa.gov/commercialcrew/2019/02/06/|title=Commercial Crew Program – February 6, 2019|website=blogs.nasa.gov|date=February 6, 2019 |access-date=February 6, 2019}} {{PD-notice}} In March 2019, [[Reuters]] reported that these test flights had been delayed by at least three months,{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-space-boeing/boeing-delays-by-months-test-flights-for-us-human-space-program-sources-idUSKCN1R12QR|title=Boeing delays by months test flights for U.S. human space program: sources|author=Eric M. Johnson|work=Reuters|date=March 20, 2019|access-date=March 22, 2019}} and in April 2019 Boeing announced that the unpiloted orbital mission was scheduled for August 2019.{{cite news|url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2019/04/02/boeing-confirms-delay-of-first-starliner-crew-capsule-test-flight-to-august/|title=Boeing delays first Starliner test flight to August, NASA extends duration of first crew mission|last=Clark|first=Stephen|publisher=Spaceflight Now |date=April 2, 2019|access-date=April 3, 2019}} + +In May 2019, all major hot-fire testing, including simulations of low-altitude abort-thruster testing, was completed using a full up to service module test article that was "flight-like", meaning that the service module test rig used in the hot-fire testing included fuel and helium tanks, reaction control system, orbital maneuvering, and attitude-control thrusters, launch abort engines and all necessary fuel lines and avionics that will be used for crewed missions. This cleared the way for the pad abort test and the subsequent uncrewed and crewed flights.{{cite web |url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2019/05/25/boeings-starliner-crew-capsule-completes-major-propulsion-test/|title=Boeing's Starliner crew capsule completes major propulsion test|author=Clark, Stephen |publisher=Spaceflight Now|date=May 25, 2019}} + +A pad abort test took place on November 4, 2019.{{cite web|url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2019/11/04/boeing-starliner-pad-abort/|title=Boeing tests crew capsule escape system|author=Clark, Stephen |publisher=Spaceflight Now|website=spaceflightnow.com|access-date=November 4, 2019}} The capsule accelerated away from its pad, but then one of the three parachutes failed to deploy, and the capsule landed with only two parachutes.{{cite news|url=https://arstechnica.com/science/2019/11/starliner-flies-for-the-first-time-but-one-of-its-parachutes-failed-to-deploy/|title=Starliner flies for the first time, but one of its parachutes failed to deploy|author=Berger, Eric|publisher=Ars Technica|date=November 4, 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://boeing.mediaroom.com/2019-11-04-Boeing-statement-regarding-CST-100-Starliner-pad-abort-test|title=Boeing statement regarding CST-100 Starliner pad abort test|publisher=Boeing|date=November 4, 2019|access-date=November 4, 2019}} Landing was, however, deemed safe, and the test a success. Boeing did not expect the malfunction of one parachute to affect the Starliner development schedule.{{cite web |url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2019/11/04/boeing-starliner-pad-abort/|title=Boeing tests crew capsule escape system|author=Clark, Stephen|publisher=Spaceflight Now|date=November 4, 2019|access-date=August 29, 2020}} + +=== First orbital flight test === +{{main|Boeing Orbital Flight Test}} +[[File:KSC-20180619-PH BOE01 0001 (42369668434).jpg|thumb|right| The upper and lower domes of the Boeing CST-100 Starliner Spacecraft 2 Crew Flight Test Vehicle were mated June 19, 2018, inside the Commercial Crew and Cargo Processing Facility (C3PF) at [[Kennedy Space Center]] in Florida. The Starliner was to launch astronauts on a [[United Launch Alliance]] [[Atlas V]] rocket to the [[International Space Station]] as part of NASA’s [[Commercial Crew Program]].]] +[[File:Boeing CST-100 Starliner Landing (NHQ201912220104).jpg|thumb|upright=1.0|right|Starliner landed at [[White Sands Missile Range]] in [[New Mexico]] following OFT in December 2019.]] + +OFT-1 an uncrewed orbital flight test launched on December 20, 2019, but after deployment, an 11-hour offset in the [[Mission Elapsed Time|mission clock]] of Starliner caused the spacecraft to compute that "it was in an orbital insertion burn", when it was not. This caused the [[Reaction control system|attitude control thrusters]] to consume more fuel than planned, precluding a docking with the [[International Space Station]].{{cite web|url=https://spacenews.com/starliner-suffers-off-nominal-orbital-insertion-after-launch/|title=Starliner suffers "off-nominal" orbital insertion after launch|date=December 20, 2019 |publisher=SpaceNews|access-date=December 20, 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2019/12/20/boeings-starliner-flies-into-wrong-orbit-jeopardizing-trip-to-the-international-space-station.html|last=Sheetz|first=Michael|date=December 20, 2019|title=Boeing Starliner fails mission, can't reach space station after flying into wrong orbit|publisher=CNBC|access-date=December 20, 2019}} The spacecraft landed at [[White Sands Missile Range]], [[New Mexico]], two days after launch.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-50855395|title=Boeing astronaut ship stalls in orbit|last=Amos|first=Jonathan|publisher=BBC News|date=December 20, 2019}} After the successful landing, the spacecraft was named ''Calypso'' (after the [[research vessel]] {{ship|RV|Calypso}} for the [[Oceanography|oceanographic]] researcher [[Jacques Cousteau|Jacques-Yves Cousteau]]) by the commander of the [[Boeing Starliner-1]] mission, NASA astronaut [[Sunita Williams]].{{cite news|url=https://blogs.nasa.gov/commercialcrew/2019/12/22/tune-in-for-starliner-postlanding-news-conference/|title=Tune in for Starliner Postlanding News Conference|last=Lewis |first=Marie|publisher=NASA Commercial Crew Program|date=December 22, 2019}} {{PD-notice}} The flight carried an [[Crash test dummy|Anthropomorphic Test Device]] (ATD) wearing Boeing's blue IVA spacesuit, named "Rosie the Rocketeer".{{cite news|url=https://www.floridatoday.com/story/tech/science/space/2019/11/21/boeing-names-test-dummy-fly-aboard-first-starliner-flight-after-iconic-rosie-riveter/4230233002/|title=Remember Rosie the Riveter? Meet Rosie the Rocketeer|author=Rachael Joy|newspaper=Florida Today|date=November 21, 2019}} + +Two software errors detected during the test, one of which prevented a planned docking with the International Space Station, could each have led to the destruction of the spacecraft, had they not been caught and corrected in time, [[NASA]] said on February 7, 2020. A joint NASA–Boeing investigation team found that "the two critical software defects were not detected ahead of flight despite multiple safeguards", according to an agency statement. "Ground intervention prevented the loss of the vehicle in both cases". Before re-entry, engineers discovered the second critical software error that affected the thruster firings needed to safely jettison the Starliner's service module. The service module software error "incorrectly translated" the jettison thruster firing sequence.{{cite web |url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2020/02/07/investigators-fault-boeing-for-potentially-catastrophic-software-errors-in-starliner-test-flight/|title=NASA, Boeing managers admit problems with Starliner software verification|author=Harwood, William|publisher=Spaceflight Now|date=February 7, 2020|access-date=August 29, 2020}} + +With the completion of the [[NASA]]/[[Boeing]] investigation into the Starliner OFT-1 flight of December 2019, the review team identified 80 recommendations that Boeing, in collaboration with NASA, was addressing in 2020, when action plans for each were already well under way. Since the full list of these recommendations are company-sensitive and proprietary, only those changes publicly disclosed are known.{{cite web|url=https://www.nasa.gov/feature/nasa-and-boeing-complete-orbital-flight-test-reviews|title=NASA and Boeing Complete Orbital Flight Test Reviews|publisher=NASA|date=July 7, 2020 |access-date=August 29, 2020}} {{PD-notice}} + +=== Second orbital flight test (uncrewed) === +{{main|Boeing Orbital Flight Test 2}} +[[File:Main Parachutes Open, Airbags Inflate 4-3-12.jpg|thumb|right|Main parachutes open, airbags inflated on re-entry]] +Because OFT-1 did not achieve its objectives, Boeing officials said on April 6, 2020 that the Starliner crew capsule would fly a second uncrewed demonstration mission, [[Boeing Orbital Flight Test 2|Orbital flight test 2 (OFT-2)]], before flying astronauts. NASA said that it had accepted a recommendation from Boeing to fly a second unpiloted mission. ''The Washington Post'' reported that the second orbital flight test, with much the same objectives as the first, was expected to launch from Cape Canaveral "sometime in October or November 2020". Boeing said that it would fund the unplanned crew capsule test flight "at no cost to the taxpayer". Boeing told investors earlier in 2020 that it was taking a US$410 million charge against its earnings to cover the expected costs of a second unpiloted test flight.{{cite web |url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2020/04/06/after-problem-plagued-test-flight-boeing-will-refly-crew-capsule-without-astronauts/ |title=After problem-plagued test flight, Boeing will refly crew capsule without astronauts |author=Clark, Steven |publisher=Spaceflight Now |date=April 7, 2020 |access-date=August 29, 2020}} Boeing officials said on August 25, 2020 that they set the stage for the first Starliner demonstration mission with astronauts in mid-2021.{{cite web |url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2020/08/25/boeing-plans-second-starliner-test-flight-in-december-or-january/ |title=Boeing plans second Starliner test flight in December 2020 or January 2021 |author=Clark, Stephen |publisher=Spaceflight Now |date=August 25, 2020 |access-date=August 26, 2020}} Boeing modified the design of the Starliner docking system prior to OFT-2 to add a re-entry cover for additional protection during the capsule's fiery descent through the atmosphere. This re-entry cover is hinged, like the SpaceX design. Teams also installed the OFT-2 spacecraft's propellant heater, thermal-protection tiles, and the airbags used to cushion the capsule's landing. The crew module for the OFT-2 mission began acceptance testing in August 2020, which is designed to validate the spacecraft's systems before it is mated with its service module, according to NASA. On November 10, 2020, NASA's Commercial Crew Program manager Steve Stich said that the second orbital flight test would be delayed until first quarter 2021 due to software issues.{{cite web |last=Malik |first=Tariq |title=NASA says Boeing's next Starliner test flight won't launch until 2021 |date=November 11, 2020 |url=https://www.space.com/boeing-orbital-flight-test-2-early-2021-launch |access-date=November 16, 2020 |publisher=SPACE.com}} The uncrewed test continued to slip, with the OFT-2 uncrewed test flight being scheduled for March 2021 and the crewed flight targeted for a launch the following summer.{{cite web |url=https://starlinerupdates.com/nasa-and-boeing-target-new-launch-date-for-next-starliner-flight-test/ |title=NASA and Boeing Target New Launch Date for Next Starliner Flight Test |publisher=Boeing |date=December 9, 2020 |access-date=December 9, 2020}} The launch date of OFT-2 moved again with the earliest estimated launch date set for August 2021.{{cite web |url=https://starlinerupdates.com/boeing-and-nasa-update-launch-target-for-next-starliner-test-flight/ |title=Boeing and NASA Update Launch Target for Next Starliner Test Flight |publisher=Boeing |date=May 6, 2021 |access-date=May 6, 2021}} + +During the August 2021 launch window some issues were detected with 13 propulsion-system valves in the spacecraft prior to launch. The spacecraft had already been mated to its launch rocket, [[United Launch Alliance]]'s (ULA) [[Atlas V]], and taken to the launchpad. Attempts to fix the problem while on the launchpad failed, and the rocket was returned to the ULA's VIF (Vertical Integration Facility). Attempts to fix the problem at the VIF also failed, and Boeing decided to return the spacecraft to the factory, thus cancelling the launch at that launch window.{{cite web |url=https://starlinerupdates.com/starliner-returning-to-factory-to-resolve-valve-issue/ |title=Starliner Returning to Factory to Resolve Valve Issue |work=[[Boeing]] |date=August 13, 2021 |access-date=August 13, 2021}}{{cite news |last=Sheetz |first=Michael |date=August 13, 2021 |title=Boeing delays test flight of Starliner crew spacecraft for at least two months after valve problems |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/08/13/boeing-further-delays-starliner-oft-2-crew-spacecraft-test-flight.html |work=[[CNBC]] |access-date=August 13, 2021}} There was a commercial dispute between Boeing and Aerojet Rocketdyne over responsibility for fixing the problem.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/science/2022/may/21/boeings-starliner-capsule-docks-for-first-time-with-international-space-station |title=Boeing's Starliner capsule docks for first time with International Space Station |newspaper=The Guardian |agency=Reuters |date=May 21, 2022 |access-date=May 21, 2022}} The valves had been corroded by intrusion of moisture, which interacted with the propellant, but the source of the moisture was not apparent. By late September 2021, Boeing had not determined the root cause of the problem, and the flight was delayed indefinitely.{{cite news |title=Nearly two months after discovering a problem with its Starliner spacecraft, Boeing is still searching for answers |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2021/09/24/boeingnasastarlinerdelay |newspaper=The Washington Post |last=Davenport |first=Christian |date=September 24, 2021 | access-date=September 27, 2021}} Through October 2021, NASA and Boeing continued to make progress and were "working toward launch opportunities in the first half of 2022",{{cite web |url=https://www.space.com/boeing-starliner-test-flight-oft-2-early-2022 |title=Boeing's next Starliner test launch for NASA slips to 2022 |first=Mike |last=Wall |publisher=Space.com |date= October 9, 2021|access-date= October 9, 2021}} In December 2021, Boeing decided to replace the entire service module and anticipated OFT-2 to occur in May 2022.{{Cite web|last=Berger|first=Eric|date=December 14, 2021|title=Leaky valve issue forces Boeing to swap out Starliner's service module|url=https://arstechnica.com/science/2021/12/boeing-to-replace-starliner-service-module-make-mid-2022-launch-attempt/|access-date=December 25, 2021|website=Ars Technica|language=en-us}} + +The OFT-2 mission launched on May 19, 2022.{{cite news |url= https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2022/05/starliner-oft2-launch/ |title= Starliner OFT-2 launch makes it to orbit, heading to ISS |author= William Graham |date= May 19, 2022 |publisher= NasaSpaceFlight.com }} It again carried Rosie the Rocketeer test dummy suited in the blue Boeing inflight spacesuit.{{cite tweet|number=1528045424317169664|title=@NASA_Astronauts open Starliner's hatch on @Space_Station for the first time and welcome #RosieTheRocketeer and Jebediah Kerman.|user=BoeingSpace |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220523164110/https://twitter.com/BoeingSpace/status/1528045424317169664 |archive-date=May 23, 2022 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url= https://www.space.com/rosie-rocketeer-dummy-boeing-starliner-oft-2 |title= Rosie the Rocketeer: Meet the dummy flying on Boeing's OFT-2 test flight this week |author= Elizabeth Howell |date= May 16, 2022 |publisher= Space.com }} Two Orbital Maneuvering and Attitude Control System (OMACS) thrusters failed during the orbital insertion burn, but the spacecraft was able to compensate using the remaining OMACS thrusters with the addition of the Reaction Control System (RCS) thrusters. A couple of RCS thrusters used to maneuver Starliner also failed during docking due to low chamber pressure. Some thermal systems used to cool the spacecraft showed extra cold temperatures, requiring engineers to manage it during the docking.{{cite web |last1=Grush |first1=Loren |title=Boeing's Starliner spacecraft returns to Earth, wrapping up critical test mission - The Verge |url=https://www.theverge.com/2022/5/25/23138395/boeing-cst-100-starliner-nasa-undocking-landing-oft-2 |website=The Verge |access-date=19 September 2022 |date=May 25, 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Rabie |first1=Passant |title=Boeing's Starliner On Track to Reach ISS Despite Propulsion Glitch |url=https://gizmodo.com/boeing-starliner-nasa-iss-spacecraft-1848954308 |website=Gizmodo |access-date=19 September 2022 |date=May 20, 2022}} + +On May 22, 2022, the capsule docked with the [[International Space Station]].{{cite news |url= https://www.cnet.com/science/space/boeing-docks-starliner-capsule-with-iss-years-after-failed-first-try/ |title= Boeing Successfully Docks Starliner Capsule With ISS Years After Failed First Try |author= Eric Mack |date= May 21, 2022 |publisher= CNET }} On May 25, 2022, the capsule returned from space and landed successfully.{{cite news |url= http://www.collectspace.com/news/news-052522a-boeing-starliner-oft2-landing.html |title= Boeing Starliner completes Orbital Flight Test-2 with safe touchdown |date= May 25, 2022 |publisher= CollectSpace }} During reentry one of the navigation systems dropped communication with the GPS satellites, but Steve Stich, program manager for NASA's Commercial Crew Program, said this is not unexpected during reentry.{{cite web |last1=Steve |first1=Stich |title=NASA Boeing Starliner OFT-2 Post-Landing Press Conference, May 25, 2022 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oiS-SzU8UM0 |website=YouTube |publisher=Space SPAN |access-date=19 September 2022 |date=25 May 2022}} + +=== Third orbital flight test (crewed) === +{{main|Boeing Crewed Flight Test}} + +The Starliner's crewed flight test should be the capsule's final flight test. The crewed flight test will send a two person crew to the ISS for a stay there of approximately one week. Once the flight test data has been evaluated and approved, the Starliner should then be cleared to begin regular operational flights.{{cite web |last=Foust |first=Jeff |url=https://spacenews.com/first-starliner-crewed-flight-further-delayed/ |title=First Starliner crewed flight further delayed |work=[[SpaceNews]] |date=November 3, 2022 |access-date=November 3, 2022}} + +Although it was originally planned for a 2017 launch, various delays pushed the launch back to no earlier than July 2023. Then on June 1, 2023, Boeing announced the flight was indefinitely delayed, due to problems with the parachute harness and flammable tape on wiring.{{Cite web |last=Berger |first=Eric |date=2023-06-01 |title=Boeing finds two serious problems with Starliner just weeks before launch |url=https://arstechnica.com/space/2023/06/boeing-stands-down-from-starliner-launch-to-address-recently-found-problems/ |access-date=2023-06-02 |website=Ars Technica |language=en-us}} On August 7, 2023, Boeing announced that it was resuming preparations for a launch, and that it hoped to resolve the issue with the flammable tape by September 2023, and to address the parachute harness issues by November 2023. + +The flight was originally scheduled for liftoff on May 7, 2024 at 2:34 AM UTC time (May 6, 2024 at 10:34 PM EDT time).[https://www.foxweather.com/earth-space/boeing-starliner-nasa-astronaut-launch-cft Boeing Starliner ready to launch...] Fox. By Emilee Speck. May 5, 2024. Retrieved May 5, 2024. Due to an anomaly in an oxygen relief valve on the second stage, the launch was cancelled approximately two hours before the planned launch time. The hope is that the valve problem will be easily repaired so that the launch can be rescheduled in the next few days.{{cite news | author = Kenneth Chang | date = May 6, 2024 | title = Boeing Starliner Flight of NASA Astronauts Is Scrubbed | url = https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/05/06/science/boeing-starliner-launch?unlocked_article_code=1.qE0.n1Jy.oB2PiGT02_S2&smid=url-share | work = New York Times | access-date = May 6, 2024 }} + +== Commercial use == +On October 25, 2021, [[Blue Origin]], Boeing, and [[Sierra Nevada Corporation]]'s [[Sierra Space]] subsidiary for commercial space activities and [[space tourism]] released their plan for a commercial space station.{{Cite news|last=Davenport|first=Justin|date=October 27, 2021|title=Blue Origin, Sierra Space, and Boeing announce Orbital Reef|language=en|website=nasaspaceflight.com|url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2021/10/announce-orbital-reef/|access-date=November 30, 2021}} The station, called [[Orbital Reef]], is intended as a "mixed-use business park".{{Cite news|last=Chappell|first=Bill|date=October 25, 2021|title=Blue Origin says it will build an orbiting mixed-use business park in space|language=en|work=NPR|url=https://www.npr.org/2021/10/25/1049077333/blue-origin-space-station-business-park-space-orbital-reef-bezos|access-date=November 30, 2021}} Boeing was announced as a partner and Starliner, along with the Sierra Nevada Corporation's [[Dream Chaser]], was chosen as one of the commercial spacecraft to transport commercial crew to and from the space station.{{Cite web|last=Grush|first=Loren|date=October 25, 2021|title=Blue Origin reveals plans for future commercial space station called Orbital Reef|url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/10/25/22744526/blue-origin-space-station-orbital-reef-announcement|access-date=November 29, 2021|website=The Verge|language=en}} + +==Launch vehicle availability== +Starliner is designed for compatiblity with [[Atlas V]], [[Delta IV]], [[Falcon 9]], and [[Vulcan Centaur]]. Delta IV is retired and no longer available.{{cite web|last=Berger|first=Eric|date=August 22, 2019|title=The last single-stick Delta rocket launched Thursday, and it put on a show|url=https://arstechnica.com/science/2019/08/the-last-single-stick-delta-rocket-launched-thursday-and-it-put-on-a-show/|access-date=August 6, 2020|publisher=Ars Technica}} ULA has announced that Atlas V is retiring and all remaining Atlas V launchers have been allocated to customers.{{cite news|last1=Roulette|first1=Joey|title=ULA stops selling its centerpiece Atlas V, setting path for the rocket's retirement|url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/8/26/22641048/ula-boeing-lockheed-end-sales-atlas-v-rocket-russia-rd180|access-date=September 1, 2021|publisher=The Verge|date=August 26, 2021}} {{As of|2022|07|02}}, seven of these have been allocated to Starliner flights; enough for the crewed flight test and six operational missions. ULA plans to have Vulcan Centaur available in time for any additional flights. + +== List of spacecraft == +{{As of|2020|1}}, Boeing planned to have three Boeing Starliner spacecraft in service to fulfill the needs of the Commercial Crew Program with each spacecraft expected to be capable of being reused up to ten times with a six-month refurbishment time.{{cite web|url=https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/starliner.htm|title=Starliner (CST-100)|author=Krebs, Gunter|publisher=Gunter's Space Page|access-date=August 29, 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.boeing.com/space/starliner/|title=CST-100 Starliner|publisher=Boeing}} On August 25, 2020, Boeing announced its plan to alternate between just two capsules for all planned Starliner missions instead of three. + +{| class="wikitable" +! Serial +! Name +! Type +! Status +! Flights +! Total flight time +! class="unsortable" | Notes +! class="unsortable" title="Category" | {{abbr|Cat.|Commons category and Wikidata page}} +|- +| {{abbr|S1|Spacecraft 1}} +| {{color|grey|None}} +| Prototype +| {{Draw|Retired}} +| 1 +| data-sort-value="T00:01:35" | 1m, 19s +| Prototype used only for [[Boeing Pad Abort Test|pad abort test]]. +| [[File:Commons-logo.svg|15px|link=c:Category:Boeing Starliner Spacecraft 1]] +|- +| [[Boeing Starliner Spacecraft 2|S2]] +| {{color|grey|TBA}} +| Crew +| {{Active}} +| 1 +| data-sort-value="T143:55" | 5d, 23h, 55m +| Completed the [[Boe-OFT-2|OFT-2]] flight. +| [[File:Commons-logo.svg|15px|link=c:Category:Boeing Starliner Spacecraft 2]] [[File:Wikidata-logo.svg|20px|link=d:Q104881693]] +|- +| [[Boeing Starliner Calypso|S3]] +| ''[[Boeing Starliner Calypso|Calypso]]'' +| Crew +| {{Active}} +| 1 +| data-sort-value="T49:22:10" | 2d, 1h, 22m, 10s +| {{Plainlist| +* Named after Jacques Couteau's ship {{ship|RV|Calypso}}. +* First Starliner to orbit, [[Boe-OFT|OFT]]. +}} +| [[File:Commons-logo.svg|15px|link=c:Category:Boeing Starliner Calypso]] [[File:Wikidata-logo.svg|20px|link=d:Q87412988]] +|} + +== List of flights == +''List includes only completed or currently manifested missions. Launch dates and times are listed in [[Coordinated Universal Time|UTC]].'' +{{Sticky header}} +{| class="wikitable sticky-header" +! Mission +! Vehicle +! Launch +! Crew +! Remarks +! Duration +! Outcome +|- +| [[Boeing Pad Abort Test|Boe-PAT]] +| {{abbr|S1|Spacecraft 1}} +| November 4, 2019, 14:15:00 +| {{N/A}} +| Pad abort test at [[White Sands Missile Range|White Sands]]. Two of three parachutes opened and the system functioned adequately. +| 95 seconds +| {{success}} +|- +| [[Boeing Orbital Flight Test|Boe-OFT]] +| S3.1
''[[Boeing Starliner Calypso|Calypso]]'' +| December 19, 2019, 11:36:43 +| {{N/A}} +| First uncrewed orbital test flight of Starliner. Orbited but failed to rendezvous with ISS. Landed successfully.{{cite web|last1=Halaschak|first1=Zachary|title=Boeing Starliner spacecraft goes off course and fails mission |date=December 20, 2019|url=https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/boeing-starliner-spacecraft-goes-off-course-and-fails-mission|publisher=Washington Examiner|access-date=December 20, 2019}}{{cite tweet|last1=Bridenstine |first1=Jim|number=1208021843388633090|title=Update: #Starliner had a Mission Elapsed Time (MET) anomaly causing the spacecraft to believe that it was in an orbital insertion burn, when it was not |date=December 20, 2019|user=JimBridenstine|access-date=December 20, 2019|author-link=Jim Bridenstine}} {{PD-notice}}{{cite web|last1=Gebhardt|first1=Chris|title=Starliner suffers mission-shortening failure after successful launch|date=December 20, 2019|url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2019/12/starliner-mission-shortening-failure-successful-launch/|publisher=NASASpaceFlight.com|access-date=December 20, 2019}} +| 2 days +| {{Partial failure}} +|- +| [[Boeing Orbital Flight Test 2|Boe-OFT 2]] +| S2.1 +| May 19, 2022, 22:54:47{{cite web |last=Clark |first=Stephen |url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2022/05/19/atlas-5-starliner-oft-2-live-coverage/ |title=Live coverage: Atlas 5 rocket sends Starliner toward space station |work=Spaceflight Now |date=May 19, 2022 |access-date=May 20, 2022}} +| {{N/A}} +| Second uncrewed orbital test flight of Starliner. Docked with the ISS.{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2020/04/06/boeing-starliner-test-repeat/|title=After botched test flight, Boeing will refly its Starliner spacecraft for NASA|last=Davenport|first=Christian |newspaper=The Washington Post|date=April 6, 2020|access-date=April 7, 2020}} Valve problems stopped an August 3, 2021 launch attempt.{{Cite web|date=December 20, 2021|title=Boeing Starliner test flight planned for spring 2022|url=https://spacenews.com/boeing-starliner-test-flight-planned-for-spring-2022/|access-date=December 25, 2021|website=SpaceNews|language=en-US}}{{cite web |last=Herridge |first=Linda |url=https://blogs.nasa.gov/kennedy/2021/10/08/nasa-boeing-update-starliner-orbital-flight-test-2-status/ |title=NASA, Boeing Update Starliner Orbital Flight Test-2 Status |publisher=NASA |date=October 8, 2021 |access-date=October 9, 2021}} +| 6 days +| {{success}} +|- +| [[Boeing Crewed Flight Test|Boe-CFT]] [[File:Boeing Starliner Crewed Flight Test Patch.jpg|55px]] +| S3.2 ♺
''[[Boeing Starliner Calypso|Calypso]]'' +| TBD +| {{plainlist| +* {{Flagicon|United States}} [[Barry E. Wilmore]]{{Cite web |last=Potter |first=Sean |date=2022-06-16 |title=NASA Updates Astronaut Assignments for Boeing Starliner Test Flight |url=http://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-updates-astronaut-assignments-for-boeing-starliner-test-flight |access-date=2024-02-18 |website=NASA}} +* {{Flagicon|United States}} [[Sunita Williams]] +}} +| First crewed test flight of Boeing Starliner. +| 7 days +| {{Planned}} +|- +| [[Boeing Starliner-1|Starliner-1]] +| S2.2 ♺ +| {{abbr|NET|no earlier than}} 2025{{cite news|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2023/08/07/boeing-resets-starliners-first-crewed-spaceflight-target-for-march.html |title=Boeing resets Starliner plan to be ready for first NASA crew flight by March|first=Michael|last= Sheetz|work=[[CNBC]]| date=7 August 2023|access-date=7 August 2023}} +| {{plainlist| +* {{Flagicon|United States}} [[Scott Tingle]]{{cite press release |url=https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-updates-crew-assignments-for-first-starliner-crew-rotation-flight |title=NASA Updates Crew Assignments for First Starliner Crew Rotation Flight |work=NASA |date=September 30, 2022 |access-date=November 3, 2022}} +* {{Flagicon|United States}} [[Michael Fincke]] +* {{Flagicon|Canada}} [[Joshua Kutryk]]{{Cite web |last=Cawley |first=James |date=2023-11-22 |title=Mission Specialist Assigned to NASA's Boeing Starliner-1 Mission + |url=https://blogs.nasa.gov/commercialcrew/2023/11/22/mission-specialist-assigned-to-nasas-boeing-starliner-1-mission |access-date=2023-11-22 |website=NASA}} +* {{Flagicon|Japan}} [[Kimiya Yui]]{{cite web|url=https://phys.org/news/2024-04-boeing-starliner-trek-cape-canaveral.html|title=Next up is launch, as Boeing's Starliner takes trek to Cape Canaveral|date=17 April 2024|access-date=21 April 2024}} +}} +| First operational flight of Boeing Starliner.{{cite tweet|user=Astro_Suni|last1=Williams|first1=Sunita|number=1208780116630876160|date=December 22, 2019|author-link=Sunita Williams|title=A couple of the awesome people who brought ''Calypso'' home! Thank you Steve and Kayva!|website=Twitter|access-date=December 22, 2019}} {{PD-notice}} +| 6 months +| {{Planned}} +|- +| [[Boeing Starliner-2|Starliner-2]] +| S3.3 ♺
''[[Boeing Starliner Calypso|Calypso]]'' +| Early 2026 +| {{plainlist| +* {{Flagicon|United States}} {{abbr|TBA|to be announced}} +* {{Flagicon|United States}} {{abbr|TBA|to be announced}} +* {{abbr|TBA|to be announced}} +* {{abbr|TBA|to be announced}} +}} +| Second operational flight of Boeing Starliner. +| 6 months +| {{Planned}} +|- +| [[Boeing Starliner-3|Starliner-3]] +| S2.3 ♺ +| Early 2027 +| {{plainlist| +* {{Flagicon|United States}} {{abbr|TBA|to be announced}} +* {{Flagicon|United States}} {{abbr|TBA|to be announced}} +* {{abbr|TBA|to be announced}} +* {{abbr|TBA|to be announced}} +}} +| Third operational flight of Boeing Starliner. +| 6 months +| {{Planned}} +|- +| [[Boeing Starliner-4|Starliner-4]] +| S3.4 ♺
''[[Boeing Starliner Calypso|Calypso]]'' +| Early 2028 +| {{plainlist| +* {{Flagicon|United States}} {{abbr|TBA|to be announced}} +* {{Flagicon|United States}} {{abbr|TBA|to be announced}} +* {{abbr|TBA|to be announced}} +* {{abbr|TBA|to be announced}} +}} +| Fourth operational flight of Boeing Starliner. +| 6 months +| {{Planned}} +|- +| [[Boeing Starliner-5|Starliner-5]] +| S2.4 ♺ +| Early 2029 +| {{plainlist| +* {{Flagicon|United States}} {{abbr|TBA|to be announced}} +* {{Flagicon|United States}} {{abbr|TBA|to be announced}} +* {{abbr|TBA|to be announced}} +* {{abbr|TBA|to be announced}} +}} +| Fifth operational flight of Boeing Starliner. +| 6 months +| {{Planned}} +|- +| [[Boeing Starliner-6|Starliner-6]] +| S3.5 ♺
''[[Boeing Starliner Calypso|Calypso]]'' +| Early 2030 +| {{plainlist| +* {{Flagicon|United States}} {{abbr|TBA|to be announced}} +* {{Flagicon|United States}} {{abbr|TBA|to be announced}} +* {{abbr|TBA|to be announced}} +* {{abbr|TBA|to be announced}} +}} +| Sixth operational flight of Boeing Starliner. +| 6 months +| {{Planned}} +|- +|} + +NASA contracted Boeing for six operational flights to the ISS.{{cite web|title=NASA Secures Crew Rotation Flights Through 2024|url=https://blogs.nasa.gov/commercialcrew/2017/01/03/nasa-secures-crew-rotation-flights-through-2024/|first=Steven|last=Siceloff|date=January 3, 2017|publisher=NASA}}{{cite web|title=Boeing Commercial Crew Transportation Capability Contract|url=https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/files/CCtCap_Boeing_508.pdf |publisher=NASA.gov}} {{PD-notice}} + +==Hardware on display== +A full-scale model of the Capsule is on display at the [[Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex]].{{cite web|url=https://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/blog/31/nasa-now-at-kennedy-space-center-visitor-complex|title=NASA Now at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex|website=kennedyspacecenter.com|access-date=2017-08-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801202020/https://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/blog/31/nasa-now-at-kennedy-space-center-visitor-complex|archive-date=2017-08-01|url-status=dead}} + +== Technology partners == +{{div col}} +* [[Aerojet Rocketdyne]], for reaction control system (RCS) and retrorockets{{cite news|title=Aerojet Rocketdyne gears up for first flight of Boeing's Starliner Spacecraft|date=December 12, 2019|url=https://www.rocket.com/article/aerojet-rocketdyne-gears-first-flight-boeing%E2%80%99s-starliner-spacecraft|publisher=Aerojet Rocketdyne|access-date=May 6, 2023}} +* Airborne Systems, for parachutes{{cite web|title=Boeing Tests Parachute System for CST-100 Spacecraft|date=May 4, 2012|url=https://www.nasa.gov/exploration/commercial/crew/boeingdroptest.html|publisher=NASA|access-date=May 6, 2023}} +* [[Collins Aerospace]], life support systems{{cite news|title=Collins Aerospace to provide Earth-like atmosphere on Boeing's new 'space taxi' for NASA|date=April 8, 2019|url=https://spaceref.com/press-release/collins-aerospace-to-provide-earth-like-atmosphere-on-boeings-new-space-taxi-for-nasa/|website=spaceref.com|access-date=May 6, 2023}} +* [[Bigelow Aerospace]], elements of crew capsule +* [[Samsung]], mobile communications technology{{cite news|title=Samsung and Boeing collaborate on mobile tech in space +|author=Leon Spencer|date=May 22, 2014|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/samsung-and-boeing-collaborate-on-mobile-tech-in-space/ +|website=zdnet.com|access-date=May 6, 2023}} +* Spincraft, crew module pressure shell spin-form work{{cite web|title=Building a better spaceship|date=July 20, 2018|url=https://www.aero-mag.com/boeing-starliner-international-space-station|website=aero-mag.com|access-date=May 6, 2023}} +* ILC Dover, for airbags, spacesuits{{cite news|title=ILC Dover becomes a provider of spacesuits for Boeing's Starliner|date=May 31, 2022 |url=https://www.spacedaily.com/reports/ILC_Dover_becomes_a_provider_of_spacesuits_for_Boeings_Starliner_999.html|website=spacedaily.com|access-date=May 6, 2023}} +{{div col end}} + +== See also == +{{div col}} +* [[List of crewed spacecraft]] +* [[Orion (spacecraft)]] +* [[SpaceX Dragon 2]], human-rated capsule-type spacecraft +* [[Dream Chaser]], a human-rated spaceplane under development +* [[Orel (spacecraft)|Orel]], a human-rated spacecraft being developed in [[Russia]] +* [[Mengzhou (spacecraft)|Mengzhou]], a human-rated spacecraft being developed in [[China]]{{div col end}} + +== Notes == +{{notelist}} + +== References == +{{Reflist|refs= + +{{cite web|url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2021/01/18/boeing-making-progress-on-starliner-software-for-test-flight-in-march/|title=Boeing making progress on Starliner software for test flight in March|first=Stephen|last=Clark|website=Spaceflight Now|date=January 18, 2021|access-date=January 18, 2021}} + +{{cite web|url=https://www.space.com/boeing-starliner-software-approved-oft-2-test-flight|title=Boeing's Starliner spacecraft software passes qualification review for next NASA test flight|first=Elizabeth|last=Howell|publisher=SPACE.com|date=January 21, 2021|access-date=January 21, 2021}} + +{{cite web|url=https://blogs.nasa.gov/commercialcrew/2017/04/06/boeing-powers-on-starliner-spacecraft-for-first-time/|last=Siceloff|first=Steven|title=Boeing Powers On Starliner Spacecraft For First Time|website=blogs.nasa.gov/commercialcrew|publisher=NASA|access-date=March 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200309225904/https://blogs.nasa.gov/commercialcrew/2017/04/06/boeing-powers-on-starliner-spacecraft-for-first-time/|archive-date=March 9, 2020|date=April 6, 2017|quote=Once completed, Spacecraft 1 will be launched without a crew on a flight test to demonstrate its capability to abort a mission from the launch pad in the unlikely event of an emergency|url-status=live}} {{PD-notice}} + +{{cite web|last=Clark|first=Stephen|title=Boeing's first commercial crew capsule christened "Calypso"|url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2019/12/22/boeings-first-crew-capsule-christened-calypso/|publisher=Spaceflight Now|access-date=March 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200309230903/https://spaceflightnow.com/2019/12/22/boeings-first-crew-capsule-christened-calypso/|archive-date=March 9, 2020|date=December 22, 2019|quote=The Starliner vehicle that landed Sunday in New Mexico, designated Spacecraft 3 [...] Spacecraft 1 was built for Boeing's pad abort test and is not intended to fly in space. [...] she has named the Starliner vehicle that returned Sunday "Calypso" in an ode to the research vessel used by French explorer Jacques Cousteau|url-status=live}} + +{{cite web|title=Reporter's Starliner Notebook|url=https://www.boeing.com/space/starliner/launch/documents/Starliner_Notebook.pdf|publisher=Boeing|access-date=March 9, 2020 |page=9|date=2019|quote=Spacecraft 1 was used for testing the launch abort system during the program's Pad Abort Test in New Mexico. Spacecraft 2 [is] being prepared to fly the first people on Starliner's Crew Flight Test. Spacecraft 3 [is] slated for the uncrewed Orbital Flight Test...}} +}} + +== External links == +* [http://www.boeing.com/space/starliner/ {{nowrap|CST-100}} Starliner] at Boeing.com +* {{YouTube|Mn_gXEK5XmQ|Boeing/Bigelow Crew Space Transport Vehicle}} by Boeing (2010) +* {{YouTube|6VYIUi9H3vM|Boeing Unveils America's First Space Taxi, Unlocks Possibilities for Future}} by Boeing (2014) +* [https://www.boeing.com/space/starliner/launch/documents/Starliner_Notebook.pdf Reporter's Starliner Notebook] +* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LKMS6xKuuA Astronaut Doug Hines enters the Boeing Starliner for the first time during OFT-2] + +{{Portal bar|Spaceflight}} +{{Boeing Starliner}} +{{Crewed spacecraft}} +{{Crewed ISS flights}} + +[[Category:Boeing Starliner| ]] +[[Category:Bigelow Aerospace]] +[[Category:Crewed spacecraft]] +[[Category:Commercial spaceflight]] +[[Category:Supply vehicles for the International Space Station]] +[[Category:American spacecraft]] +[[Category:Boeing spacecraft and space launch systems|Starliner]] +[[Category:Reusable spacecraft]] -- 2.30.2