Context

On May 7, Boeing’s Starliner spaceship will launch two NASA astronauts from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida to the International Space Station.

• This is the first time Starliner will carry astronauts, testing its ability to do so.

What is Boeing’s Starliner?

• Boeing’s Starliner is also known as CST-100 (crew space transportation).
• It is a crew capsule designed for space travel.
• It’s partially reusable, meaning it can be used for multiple missions. 
• It consists of two modules:
  • Crew Module: This is where astronauts stay during the journey. 
  • Service Module: This part is like the powerhouse of the spacecraft which provides electricity, propulsion (movement), temperature control, air, and water for the astronauts in space. 

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What is the Boeing’s Starline mission?

• Objective: To test how well Starliner performs in space with astronauts on board.
  • It aims to dock with the ISS a day after launch and stay there for about 10 days before returning to Earth.
  • Key Points about Starliner’s Crewed Test Flight and Return Journey
    • The astronauts will test new space suits during the mission. 
      • These blue suits are around 40% lighter than their predecessors and have touchscreen-sensitive gloves.
    • During the return journey, NASA and Boeing will closely monitor Starliner’s heat shield and parachutes.
    • They’ll slow down the descent before the airbags open to make the landing softer.
      • Unlike many other crew capsules, Starliner will land on the ground, not in the sea.

• The significance of the mission for NASA and Boeing:

  • NASA: 

    • Backup Option: Approval of Starliner for routine flights to and from the ISS would provide NASA with a backup option.
      • It will reduce dependency on a single company or vehicle for space launches.

  • Boeing: 

    • Competition with SpaceX: If Starliner achieves its goals, it could enable Boeing to compete more effectively with SpaceX in the commercial space sector.