Sticking the Landing: Starliner Seat Drop Test Success
May 25, 2017 in Space
Recent CST-100 Starliner testing proved the spacecraft will come to a safe, soft stop when it lands on land. Testing to the extreme with test dummies, seat drop tests showed the systems will cushion the passenger’s head, neck and spine upon landing. Engineers performed 30 drop tests from various heights and seat orientations. Parachutes and an airbag system will initially slow Starliner when it re-enters Earth’s atmosphere. Starliner is being developed in partnership with NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. It will take astronauts and cargo to and from the International Space Station. The first launch is slated for next year.