The Boeing Starliner, also known as the CST-100 Starliner, is a reusable spacecraft designed to transport crew to the International Space Station (ISS) and other low-Earth orbit destinations. Developed in collaboration with NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, the Starliner is part of the agency’s effort to increase access to space and reduce reliance on Russian Soyuz spacecraft for crewed missions.

Design and Features

The Starliner spacecraft consists of a Crew Module (CM) and a Service Module (SM). The conical CM, measuring 4.6 meters (15 feet) in diameter at its base, is designed to accommodate up to seven astronauts. The cylindrical SM houses the spacecraft’s engines and cooling system, with solar cells covering its base to provide power.

The Starliner boasts several innovative features, including a weldless structure, wireless internet, and tablet technology for crew interfaces. The spacecraft is designed for autonomous docking with the ISS and uses a parachute and airbag system for land-based touchdowns, making it the first American orbital crew capsule to land on solid ground.

Development Timeline

Boeing’s involvement in the Commercial Crew Program began in 2010, with the company receiving funding from NASA to develop the Starliner spacecraft. In 2014, NASA selected Boeing and SpaceX as the two companies to build crewed spacecraft for the program.

Pad Abort Test (November 2019)

In November 2019, Boeing conducted a successful pad abort test at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, demonstrating the spacecraft’s ability to safely escape from the launch pad in the event of an emergency.

Orbital Flight Test (December 2019)

The first uncrewed Orbital Flight Test (OFT) launched on December 20, 2019. However, due to a mission timer error, the spacecraft used excessive thruster fuel and was unable to reach the intended orbit to dock with the ISS. Despite the setback, ground controllers managed to guide the Starliner to a safe landing at White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico.

Orbital Flight Test-2 (May 2022)

Following the unsuccessful OFT mission, Boeing conducted a second uncrewed test flight, OFT-2, on May 19, 2022. This time, the Starliner successfully launched, docked with the ISS, and returned safely to Earth, paving the way for crewed missions.

Current Status and Future Plans

As of March 2024, Boeing and NASA are preparing for the Crew Flight Test (CFT), the first crewed mission of the Starliner spacecraft. NASA astronauts Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Sunita Williams are assigned to the mission, which is scheduled to launch no earlier than May 1, 2024. The CFT will involve a trip to the ISS, where the astronauts will spend approximately eight days before returning to Earth.

Following the successful completion of the CFT, NASA will certify the Starliner for regular crew rotation missions to the ISS. The first operational mission, Starliner-1, is expected to launch in early 2025, carrying NASA astronauts Scott Tingle and Mike Fincke, along with Canadian Space Agency astronaut Joshua Kutryk, for a six-month stay on the ISS.

As the Starliner program progresses, it will provide NASA with a reliable, American-made spacecraft to transport astronauts to and from the ISS, ensuring continuous access to the orbiting laboratory and reducing dependence on international partners for crewed missions.