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2024-05-06 06:44:00
After years of delays and a budget that went over budget by more than a billion dollars, the capsule was made Starliner of Boeing is ready for its first manned flight to The International Space Station (ISS)which marks a decisive moment for the company and for NASA.
This is the first manned flight of the capsule Starlinerwhere two pilots of American Space Agency They will carry out a critical test of the vehicle during a week-long stay at the station. This mission seeks to demonstrate an alternative to what is already in operation Crew Dragon of SpaceXwhich to date has launched 50 astronauts, cosmonauts and civilians into space on 13 manned flights since May 2020.
Unlike SpaceX, Boeing has encountered a number of technical issues that have required extensive rework and additional unmanned testing to resolve. However, mission managers assure that all known problems were corrected and that the ship was subjected to several improvements and exhaustive tests to verify its ability to transport astronauts safely to and from space. EEE.
The crew’s demonstration mission is scheduled for an overnight launch on Monday 6 May, marking a pivotal moment for both Boeing When it comes to NASAwith the expectation of alternating future assignments between Boeing y SpaceX, as confirmed by the news agency Associated Press.
The astronauts in command Starlinerboth naval test pilots and space veterans, express confidence in the mission. Barry “Butch” Wilmorecommander of the mission, stated that he had “full confidence in the management that makes the decisions… That is the past. It is not now“.
For her part, the co-pilot Sunita Williams highlighted the learning from past experiences, ensuring that “We wouldn’t say we were ready if we weren’t ready.“. The launch is planned from Cape Canaveral Space Force Stationand establishes itself as the first time astronauts will be launched using a rocket Atlas since the last assignment Mercury More than 60 years ago he published CBS News.
Atlas 5equipped with a first stage engine RD-180 Built in Russia, it was qualified for manned flights, known for its highly reliable components and an advanced emergency detection system designed to ensure safe escape in case of imminent failure during launch.
In addition, Starliner have powerful abort engines and systems that allow Wilmore y Williamsif necessary, manually trigger an abort, as well as provide direct manual control in case of complications during launch or in orbit.
The escape to Starliner It’s not just an achievement for Boeing but also for Commercial Crew Program from NASAwho, after retiring the space shuttle, awarded contracts to SpaceX y Boeing with the goal of resuming the launch of American astronauts from American soil and securing redundant access to EEE.
While SpaceX achieved its goals of successfully flying astronauts into space, Boeing seeks to demonstrate with this assignment that it is also capable of fulfilling the same obligation. A success in this mission would not only validate the investment of Boeing of more than a billion dollars to overcome the technical obstacles encountered, but will also solidify its position as a major player in the future of human space transportation.
Assuming the launch and mission go smoothly, Wilmore y Williams will oversee a largely automated meeting with EEEdemonstrate the aircraft’s ability to perform the required flight path and intervene after a major failure if necessary.
It is expected that Starliner land on the ground using parachutes and airbags to cushion the impact, a feature that sets it apart Crew Dragon of SpaceX. This landing is planned in White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexicosubject to favorable weather conditions.
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