CST-100 – Spaceflight Now

NASA could extend space station stays as hedge against commercial crew delays

April 16, 2018

NASA is working with the Russian space agency to potentially extend crew stays on the International Space Station, the agency’s acting administrator said last week, as a cushion against expected delays in the development of commercial crew capsules by Boeing and SpaceX.

Boeing proposes extending test flight of commercial crew capsule

April 9, 2018

NASA has agreed to consider a Boeing proposal to extend the first piloted test flight of its commercial CST-100 Starliner crew capsule from two weeks to up to six months with an extra crew member for the International Space Station, hedging against potential delays that could jeopardize U.S. crew access to the orbiting outpost.

Lawmakers question safety, schedule for Boeing/SpaceX commercial crew ships

January 17, 2018

Boeing and SpaceX hope to launch commercial crew ferry ships on long-awaited test flights later this year, but both companies face major challenges getting the spacecraft certified before late 2019 when seats aboard Russian Soyuz spacecraft will no longer be easily available for NASA space station crews, officials told lawmakers Wednesday.

Video: Take a virtual ride on the Atlas 5 launch pad emergency ziplines

April 4, 2017

Commercial ziplines have been installed and tested at United Launch Alliance’s Atlas 5 rocket pad as the emergency escape system if astronauts and ground personnel need to evacuate the Crew Access Tower.

Ziplines installed to whisk personnel from danger at Starliner launch pad

April 4, 2017

Ziplines are used by thrill-seekers in adventures around the world, but now they are coming to the U.S. space program as the emergency escape system for personnel at Cape Canaveral’s Complex 41.

Animation: The flight of a Boeing Starliner capsule from launch to landing

April 4, 2017

Animation depicts the flight of Boeing’s Starliner commercial crew capsule, ascending into orbit atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket to reach the International Space Station and re-entry to make an airbag-cushioned touchdown on land.

Astronauts will ride on Starliner capsules in ‘Boeing Blue’ spacesuits

February 1, 2017

Boeing has unveiled a new lightweight spacesuit, fitted with zippers, breathable stitching and plenty of Velcro, to protect NASA astronauts on trips to the International Space Station aboard the company’s CST-100 Starliner capsule.

NASA has no plans to buy more Soyuz seats, and it may be too late anyway

October 13, 2016

NASA is sure enough that Boeing and SpaceX can safely launch astronauts to the International Space Station by early 2019 to hold off paying Russia to keep flying U.S. crews to the research complex, and one official says a deadline to order parts for new Russian Soyuz crew capsules may have already passed.

Video: Gantry swing arm arrives at Atlas 5 pad for astronauts to board Starliners

August 13, 2016

Constructing the launch pad infrastructure for astronauts to board Boeing’s Starliner crew capsules atop United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rockets, workers delivered the Crew Access Arm with its White Room to Cape Canaveral’s Complex 41 on Thursday, Aug. 11.

Boeing nears fix for CST-100 Starliner design hitch

August 2, 2016

Boeing engineers are close to resolving concerns with the mass and aerodynamic shape of the company’s CST-100 Starliner commercial crew carrier, and officials are optimistic the spaceship will be ready to deliver astronauts to the International Space Station in early 2018.