 |
Boeing teams ran
multiple tests on Starliner’s in-space maneuvering system and the spacecraft’s
launch abort system on May 23, 2019 at NASA’s White Sands Test Facility in New
Mexico. Photo credit: Boeing
|
Ken Kremer -- SpaceUpClose.com &
RocketSTEM – 2
June 2019
CAPE CANAVERAL, FL – Boeing engineers completed a lengthy series of hot fire tests on the propulsion system of Starliner crew test article involving the vehicle’s in-space maneuvering system as well as the critical launch abort system that will help pave the way to the first test flight with astronauts in support of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program.
The hot fire propulsion system tests were carried out on May 23 at NASA’s White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico using a flight-like Starliner service module involving “a full propulsion system comprising of fuel and helium tanks, reaction control system and orbital maneuvering and attitude control thrusters, launch abort engines and all necessary fuel lines and avionics,” according to statements from NASA and Boeing.
Multiple tests were completed to simulate in-space maneuvers, low-altitude abort and high altitude abort to ensure that astronauts will be safe and the Boeing Starliner crew transport vehicle will function effectively through all phases of flight.
These successful tests will help lead to key next milestones wherein Boeing plans to carry out a pad abort test followed by an uncrewed orbital test flight (OFT) that will launch to the International Space Station (ISS) as soon as August.
“With the safety of our astronauts at the forefront of all we do, this successful testing proves this system will work correctly and keep Starliner and the crew safe through all phases of flight,” said John Mulholland, vice president and program manager of Boeing’s Commercial Crew Program.
“The milestone paves the way for the upcoming pad abort test and flights to and from the International Space Station later this year.”
CAPE CANAVERAL, FL – Boeing engineers completed a lengthy series of hot fire tests on the propulsion system of Starliner crew test article involving the vehicle’s in-space maneuvering system as well as the critical launch abort system that will help pave the way to the first test flight with astronauts in support of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program.
The hot fire propulsion system tests were carried out on May 23 at NASA’s White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico using a flight-like Starliner service module involving “a full propulsion system comprising of fuel and helium tanks, reaction control system and orbital maneuvering and attitude control thrusters, launch abort engines and all necessary fuel lines and avionics,” according to statements from NASA and Boeing.
Multiple tests were completed to simulate in-space maneuvers, low-altitude abort and high altitude abort to ensure that astronauts will be safe and the Boeing Starliner crew transport vehicle will function effectively through all phases of flight.
These successful tests will help lead to key next milestones wherein Boeing plans to carry out a pad abort test followed by an uncrewed orbital test flight (OFT) that will launch to the International Space Station (ISS) as soon as August.
“With the safety of our astronauts at the forefront of all we do, this successful testing proves this system will work correctly and keep Starliner and the crew safe through all phases of flight,” said John Mulholland, vice president and program manager of Boeing’s Commercial Crew Program.
“The milestone paves the way for the upcoming pad abort test and flights to and from the International Space Station later this year.”
 |
Artists concept of Boeing Starliner commercial crew vehicle
arriving at the International Space Station. Credit: Boeing/NASA
|
Here’s
a list of the tests completed by Boeing
·
19 thrusters fired to simulate
in-space maneuvers.
·
12 thrusters fired to simulate a
high-altitude abort.
·
22 propulsion elements, including
the launch abort engines, fired to simulate a low-altitude abort.
If all goes well the first flight
with three astronauts aboard called the Crew Flight Test (CFT) could take place
by the end of the year, perhaps as soon as November.
The Boeing Starliner commercial crew vehicle will launch on a ULA Atlas V rocket augmented with two solid rocket boosters on a ferry flight to and from the ISS.
The ULA Atlas V will blastoff from Space Launch Complex-41 on Cape Canaveral Airt Force Station, FL.
Rescue teams recently conducted sea trials in Port
Canaveral to rescue the astronauts from the capsule in case of an unplanned sea
landing.
Watch for our detailed story.
The Atlas V rocket 1st stage and Dual Engine Centuar upper stage that will launch on the CFT mission just
arrived into Port Canaveral on the ULA Delta Mariner.
Watch for Ken’s continuing onsite coverage of NASA, SpaceX, ULA, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and more space and mission reports direct from the Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida and Wallops Flight Facility, Virginia.
Stay tuned here for Ken's continuing Earth and Planetary science and human spaceflight news: www.kenkremer.com –www.spaceupclose.com – twitter @ken_kremer – email: ken at kenkremer.com
Dr. Kremer is a research scientist and journalist based in the KSC area, active in outreach and interviewed regularly on TV and radio about space topics.
The Boeing Starliner commercial crew vehicle will launch on a ULA Atlas V rocket augmented with two solid rocket boosters on a ferry flight to and from the ISS.
The ULA Atlas V will blastoff from Space Launch Complex-41 on Cape Canaveral Airt Force Station, FL.
 |
Rescue team practices rescuing astronauts out of Boeing
Starliner mockup test article in case of splashdown at sea, in US NAVY wharf at
Port Canaveral, FL. Credit: Ken
Kremer/kenkremer.com/spaceupclose.com
|
Watch for our detailed story.
 |
ULA Delta Mariner arrives into Port Canaveral, FL on June
1, 2019 carrying the Atlas V rocket that will launch the first astronaut crew
aboard the Boeing Starliner commercial crew vehicle. Credit: Ken Kremer/kenkremer.com/spaceupclose.com
|
The CFT launch vehicle is designated AV-082 and was manufactured in ULA’s Decatur, Alabama facility.
Watch for our upcoming story.
SpaceX is also developing the Crew Dragon to ferry NASA astronauts to and from the ISS.
"As commercial crew providers, Boeing and SpaceX, begin to make regular flights to the space station, NASA will continue to advance its mission to go beyond low-Earth orbit and establish a human presence on the Moon with the ultimate goal of sending astronauts to Mars, says NASA.
Watch for our upcoming story.
SpaceX is also developing the Crew Dragon to ferry NASA astronauts to and from the ISS.
"As commercial crew providers, Boeing and SpaceX, begin to make regular flights to the space station, NASA will continue to advance its mission to go beyond low-Earth orbit and establish a human presence on the Moon with the ultimate goal of sending astronauts to Mars, says NASA.
Watch for Ken’s continuing onsite coverage of NASA, SpaceX, ULA, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and more space and mission reports direct from the Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida and Wallops Flight Facility, Virginia.
Stay tuned here for Ken's continuing Earth and Planetary science and human spaceflight news: www.kenkremer.com –www.spaceupclose.com – twitter @ken_kremer – email: ken at kenkremer.com
Dr. Kremer is a research scientist and journalist based in the KSC area, active in outreach and interviewed regularly on TV and radio about space topics.
………….
Ken’s photos are for sale and he is available for lectures and outreach events
Ken’s photos are for sale and he is available for lectures and outreach events
No comments:
Post a Comment