despite the fact that some might not like to hear it.
Not only that, but off the record several anonymous
sources within NASA have expressed the same.
Additionally, the awards are dependent on
Congressional funding; if Congress does not make
the requested funds available, then the actual
awards will be less, so NASA wants to make sure
that if that does happen the CST-100 will still have
adequate funds available to become a reality
and start carrying crews to and from the ISS
from American soil sooner rather than later.
Per the terms of the contract, each company must
fly at least one crewed flight test, with at least one
NASA astronaut aboard to verify the fully integrated
rocket and spacecraft system can launch, maneuver
in orbit, and dock to the ISS, as well as validate that
all its systems operate as expected throughout the
mission. Once Boeing and SpaceX have completed
their test programs successfully and earned NASA
certification, they will conduct at least two, and as
many as six, crewed missions to the ISS for NASA.
Both vehicles will also serve as lifeboats for crew
living on station in case of an emergency, as well as
serving other potential customers besides NASA.
The Boeing CST-100 crew space
transportation system
“It feels great to be building this, not only for Boeing
but for the entire country,” said Boeing CST-100 engineer
Tony Castilleja in a telephone conversation we had
hours after NASA announced their award decision. “I
grew up inspired by space shuttle, and this will inspire a
whole new generation. Seeing where we are headed,
it’s a testament to the hard work of our team, I haven’t
seen a passion like this ever, there’s a passion to the
work that each and everyone does on this program,
and I think that’s shown in the past with our ability to
meet our milestones on time, as promised, and it’s
going to show at the launch pad come 2017.”
With their award now secured, Boeing is picking
up the pace with building three flight articles, each
capable of 10 orbital flights each, and each flight
article will serve to fulfill NASA’s CCtCap requirements
for certification and regular crew transportation flights.
“The CST-100 is a cheap, cost effective vehicle that
does not need to be luxurious because it only needs
to hold people for 48 hours. It’s a simple ride up to
and back from space,” said former astronaut and
commander of the last space shuttle mission Chris
Ferguson, who now serves as Director of Crew and
Mission Operations for Boeing. “Our focus right now
is making sure we build the vehicle the right way.”
CST-100 will launch initially atop ULA’s Atlas V rocket
and be capable of ferrying a crew of up to seven
astronauts to and from the ISS. NASA only requires
seating for four, but Ferguson has said he expects crews
An artist’s rendering of the Boeing CST-100 sitting atop
an Atlas V rocket at the launch pad. Credit: ULA
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