I wonder if Vulcan, since it will lack solids, will present a more benign environment. It would be funny if NASA would want to change to the newer launch vehicle (after the necessary trial period).
Weight problems eh? Now where have we seen this before??
Quote from: baldusi on 05/12/2016 04:05 pmI wonder if Vulcan, since it will lack solids, will present a more benign environment. It would be funny if NASA would want to change to the newer launch vehicle (after the necessary trial period).The Vulcan will be able to be fitted with up to six SRBs. http://www.ulalaunch.com/products_vulcan.aspx
Quote from: Ike17055 on 05/12/2016 03:41 pmIt is built to be able to fly on Falcon, but actually doing that defeats one of the major goals of the program: having better assurance of having a flying vehicle at all times by diversifying assets, not being vulnerable to a grounding on one launcher for instance.Actually, it isn't. CST-100 was originally "launcher agnostic" but that is no longer the case. Boeing selected the Atlas V to launch the CST-100 back in 2011, and has designed it for that rocket since then. http://www.ulalaunch.com/human-spaceflight-announcement--united.aspx It would need, at the very least, an adapter section to fit on the Falcon 9 and be connected to its electronics.
It is built to be able to fly on Falcon, but actually doing that defeats one of the major goals of the program: having better assurance of having a flying vehicle at all times by diversifying assets, not being vulnerable to a grounding on one launcher for instance.
From the original report on Geek Wire: http://www.geekwire.com/2016/boeing-starliner-schedule-astronauts-slips-2018/They listed another item, "In addition, NASA software updates have added more work for developers." Software updated to what, for what? Human rating Atlas and the integration of the two vehicles WRT abort? Human Interface designs/control? Is this specific to Boeing or a Program wide request?Mass and Acoustics? Isn't it a bit late to be hitting against these requirements? So it seems the un-crewed test flight will be pushed to the end of the year where the crewed test flight was supposed to be.
Quote from: Rocket Science on 05/12/2016 04:23 pmWeight problems eh? Now where have we seen this before?? Yeh, I wasn't going there but Weight and Acoustics = Ares/Orion.
/Quote from: rcoppola on 05/12/2016 04:26 pmQuote from: Rocket Science on 05/12/2016 04:23 pmWeight problems eh? Now where have we seen this before?? Yeh, I wasn't going there but Weight and Acoustics = Ares/Orion.I wonder if the CST-100 is also too heavy for its parachutes.
LAS would be the most affected by an increase in weight. No simple fix either as service module would need more thrust (additional engines) and fuel, both would increase weight again. At least Atlas has option of extra SRBs.
A dumb question: is the dome part on the pictures machined out a single block of aluminium or is it welded from several pieces?
Later this year, Boeing will test parachute components to be used on Starliner flights, in a series of progressively more flight-like drop tests, including high-altitude boilerplate releases from balloons.
Has anyone ever done drop tests like this via balloon before?
File Number: SES-STA-INTR2016-01453Description: Special Temporary Authority Request to initiate operations to support communications command and control for recovery operations for the Commercial Crew Transportation System (CCTS).
File Number: SES-LIC-20160426-00373Description: To provide communications Command and Control (CCISR) for 2 (ea) temporary fixed ground stations operating in the US during recovery operations.
Just like the North Star, Boeing’s new Space Training, Analysis and Review Facility, also known as STAR, will serve as a guide for explorers. The opening of the facility on June 21 is the latest step for Boeing as it prepares to transport NASA astronauts to the International Space Station aboard the Crew Space Transportation (CST)-100 Starliner spacecraft.