NASA has made the decision to stop producing and sending spacecraft on its own and is now purchasing the service from external companies like SpaceX. This change is due to the high operating costs that are ultimately funded by American taxpayers. In recent years, Boeing’s aviation business has been struggling with a series of accidents, and the development of their Starliner spacecraft has faced challenges.
The upcoming launch of Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft poses a significant risk for the company, as they have encountered delays in test flights and issues with thrusters and cooling systems. Despite originally being scheduled for 2015, the Starliner’s test flights were pushed back to 2019 due to software glitches. Another attempt in August 2021 was delayed again until May 2022 due to propulsion system faults.
NASA awarded contracts to SpaceX and Boeing to take over the old space shuttles, with each company tasked to conduct six operational missions. SpaceX received a $2.6 billion contract, while Boeing received $4.2 billion. SpaceX was ahead of Boeing, successfully flying a crew on a test flight in 2020, leaving Boeing four years behind with significant expenses to rectify faults.
The Starliner spacecraft, taller and wider than the Apollo capsules, is designed for up to seven astronauts but typically only four will fly in it. The upcoming mission will involve testing seats, life support systems, navigation, and cargo transfer to the International Space Station (ISS). Astronauts will wear new spacesuits with touchscreen-sensitive gloves for enhanced flexibility.
After docking at the ISS for about ten days, the astronauts will return to Earth in a unique way compared to previous capsules that landed in water; Starliner will land on solid ground using heat shields, parachutes, and airbags to soften impact if successful. If successful, this mission could contribute significantly to increased space exploration opportunities.
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