Boeing Space Taxi Landing System Tested
Site: NASA.gov
Boeing and NASA are making progress on developing a spacecraft to taxi astronauts to and from the International Space Station, NASA announced Thursday.
NASA said Boeing tested the crew space transportation spacecraft‘s parachute and landing systems Wednesday.
Parachute demonstrations occurred by lifting the CST-100 crew capsule 14,000 feet above the Delamar Dry Lake Bed in Nevada with a helicopter.
CST-100 initiated a parachute deployment sequence and descended to the ground, while cushioned by six inflated air bags.
Capsules are intended to be reusable and seat up to seven people once complete.
Roger Krone, president of Boeing’s network and space systems unit, said earlier this week the company expects the CST-100 to be operational by 2015.
Boeing’s air taxi is scheduled to undergo additional tests in the coming months that will provide data on the system’s design.
CST-100 will conduct initial test flights on the United Launch Alliance’s Atlas V rocket and NASA said the spacecraft is designed for compatibility with multiple launch vehicles.
Related posts:
- Boeing Plans To Have Space Taxi Ready Within Five Years; Roger Krone Comments
- Boeing Starts NASA Study to Power, Lengthen Space Missions
- Boeing-Built Space Plane Hits ‘Year in Flight’ Milestone
- Boeing to Acquire Cyber Firm
- China Beat US in 2011 Space Launches; Roger Krone Comments on Budget, R&D