in ,

NASA Details Boeing’s CST-100 Spacecraft Preparations for Second Uncrewed Flight Test

CST-100 Starliner
CST-100 Starliner

Boeing is close to completing assembly of crew and service modules for the CST-100 Starliner spacecraft that will fly a second time on an uncrewed mission to the International Space Station no earlier than December for NASA’s Commercial Crew Program.

The company has finished installation of propellant heater, thermal protection and air bag systems and currently works on a reentry cover designed to protect the capsule’s docking system during Orbital Flight Test-2, the space agency said Saturday.

Flight control personnel simulated an integrated launch-to-docking scenario earlier this month and will perform additional simulations as they make adjustments to flight procedures and rules.

The team has also begun acceptance testing of the crew module and formal qualification testing of flight software as part of preparations for mission rehearsals.

According to NASA, the company implemented nearly 75 percent of the 80 measures recommended by an independent review team to avoid a repeat of anomalies that were experienced during Starliner’s first orbital mission.

The agency expects the spacecraft to transport astronauts for Boeing’s Crew Flight Test no earlier than June next year if the OFT-2 mission is successful.

NASA added the post-certification Starliner-1 is tentatively scheduled to occur no earlier than late 2021.

ExecutiveBiz Logo

Sign Up Now! ExecutiveBiz provides you with Daily Updates and News Briefings about Government Technology

mm

Written by Nichols Martin

a staff writer at Executive Mosaic, produces articles on the federal government's technology and business interests. The coverage of these articles include government contracting, cybersecurity, information technology, health care and national security.

PLEXSYS to Help Maintain Air Force Mission Crew Training Systems - top government contractors - best government contracting event
PLEXSYS to Help Maintain Air Force Mission Crew Training Systems
Elbit Systems of America
Elbit Systems to Supply Army Bradley Vehicle Components