Tag: Starliner
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Ziplines installed to whisk personnel from danger at Starliner launch pad
Commercial ZipRiders will be used as the emergency escape system at the Atlas 5 launch complex. Credit: NASA CAPE CANAVERAL — 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. Commercial, off-the-shelf…
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SLC-41 completes EES installation ahead of Starliner missions
An Emergency Egress System (EES) has completed its installation into the Crew Access Tower (CAT) at Space Launch Complex -41 (SLC-41) in preparation for Atlas V launches with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. The EES is a vital element for all crew launch vehicles, with the SLC-41 EES working with the traditional “slide wire” concept. SLC-41 EES:…
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Chute tests for Starliner as ASAP worry about RD-180 certification
Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft is progressing through a series of parachute drop tests, refining the technology for returning the spacecraft back home safely. However, NASA’s safety advisory body has cited certification concerns about a major element for the spacecraft’s ride to space, specifically the RD-180 engine used by the Atlas V launch vehicle. Starliner: The traditionally…
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Commercial rotation plans firming up as US Segment crew to increase early
With Dragon now returned to flight and safely berthed to the ISS, time is ticking closer to the start of commercial crew transportation services to the station. In line with this, NASA’s plans for future crew rotations are solidifying, as opportunities have emerged to increase NASA’s crew count earlier than planned. Commercial crew schedule: The…
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‘Late Show’ host Stephen Colbert dons Boeing’s spacesuit for Starliner stardom
Late-night host Stephen Colbert strikes an astronautical pose. (Boeing via Twitter) Let history record that America’s first late-night astronaut is … Stephen Colbert? In a pre-recorded bit that was broadcast Friday night on CBS’ “Late Show,” Colbert wore the spacesuit designed for crews on Boeing’s Starliner space taxi and did his shtick at Kennedy Space Center…
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Astronauts will ride on Starliner capsules in ‘Boeing Blue’ spacesuits
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. The “Boeing Blue” garment will shield astronauts as they ride inside the CST-100 spacecraft during launch and landing. The environment inside the…
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Starliner Space Suit – a modified Boeing Blue version of ACES – revealed
Boeing has revealed the space suit astronauts will wear on missions aboard the Starliner spacecraft. Formerly known as CST-100, the Boeing spacecraft is one of two commercial crew vehicles that will eventually return a domestic crew launch capability to the United States after years of relying on the Soyuz spacecraft. Starliner: That reliance will continue…
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Touchscreen gloves? Zippered helmets? Boeing reboots the spacesuit for Starliner
Boeing’s Chris Ferguson, a former astronaut, models the Starliner spacesuit. (Boeing via YouTube) The spacesuit designed for astronauts riding Boeing’s Starliner space taxi makes a fashion statement for the 21st century, from its touchscreen-sensitive gloves to its color-coordinated shoes. And all of it in Boeing blue. The spacesuit made its public debut today during a…
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Boeing hints that it’ll unveil its Starliner spacesuits – and maybe who’ll wear them
A quick shot from a Boeing video shows a Starliner patch on a blue spacesuit. (Boeing Photo) Boeing’s Starliner space taxi won’t be carrying astronauts to the International Space Station for at least another year and a half, but we may soon find out what they’ll be wearing. We may even find out who the…
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Boeing and SpaceX win four more NASA orders for space taxis, with one big ‘if’
An artist’s conception shows a straight-on view of Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner space taxi. (Boeing / NASA Photo) NASA has awarded four more contracts to Boeing and to SpaceX for space taxi trips to and from the International Space Station – dependent on certification that the spacecraft are safe. SpaceX is working on a crew-capable version of its…