Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft made its first manned launch to the ISS

On Wednesday morning (5), at 10:52 (11:52 Brasília time), Boeing’s Starliner Calypso spacecraft made its first manned flight after many delays. Powered by ULA’s (United Launch Alliance) Atlas V rocket, the vehicle took NASA astronauts Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams to the International Space Station (ISS).

Boeing has been working on the CST-100 Starliner project since 2010, when the company was selected for the Commercial Crew Development (CCDev) program with SpaceX. The aim was to develop manned capsules that could carry astronauts to the ISS. However, the Arlington giant’s project experienced numerous delays and technical difficulties.

Starliner’s arrival at the ISS is scheduled for this Thursday (6) at 12:15 (13:15 in Brasília) and can be followed live on the NASA website.

The capsule will remain in the orbiting laboratory for Wilmore and Williams for a week and then return to Earth to finish the mission. If everything goes well, Starliner will finally be authorized to conduct manned missions to and from the ISSAs SpaceX has been doing since May 2020.

Various problems before first manned launch

Starliner’s development teams have faced many challenges since then. Boeing receives US$4.2 billion (R$22.14 billion) contract from NASA, Will share “Cape Canaveral – ISS route series” with StarX. The first unmanned test flight in 2018 resulted in a forced landing due to a software problem.

The second unmanned test flight, conducted in 2019, failed due to a combination of propulsion system failure, navigation errors and excessive fuel consumption. However, the third unmanned flight, launched in July 2021, was finally successful and managed to dock with the ISS.

But, first manned missionPlanned to be held in August 2023, it had to be postponed to May 2024 to resolve the problems with the parachute. and risks of short circuits in electrical wiring harnesses.

The May 6 launch was delayed by a helium leak in the service module, and the June 1 launch was suspended less than four minutes before liftoff by the computer launching the rocket.

How will Starliner return to Earth?

Starliner’s next steps include: Return flight to the New Mexico desert. The aim is to test parachutes that will reduce speed to 6.4 kilometers per hour after re-entry into the atmosphere. The landing will be softened with under airbags.

Reusable up to ten times B.CStarliner capsule could also function as a ‘safe haven’It will remain attached to the ISS for up to seven months to provide emergency protection on the space station.

Did you like the content? So, stay updated with more news about Science at TecMundo. If you wish, take the opportunity to learn more about the Chinese probe Chang’e-6, which landed on the far side of the Moon. See you next time!