
CST-100 Starliner
The Starliner is a next-generation space capsule that will take people to and from low-Earth orbit.
Boeing's Crew Space Transportation (CST)-100 Starliner spacecraft is being developed in collaboration with NASA's Commercial Crew Program. The Starliner was designed to accommodate seven passengers, or a mix of crew and cargo, for missions to low-Earth orbit. For NASA service missions to the International Space Station, it will carry up to four NASA-sponsored crew members and time-critical scientific research. The Starliner has an innovative, weldless structure and is reusable up to 10 times with a six-month turnaround time. It also features wireless internet and tablet technology for crew interfaces.
The Starliner uses a proven parachute and airbag system to land on ground, which allows the capsule to be reused up to 10 times.
The Starliner is completely autonomous, which reduces the amount of training time for crews.
The Starliner is designed for land-based returns rather than water returns, a first for a space capsule built in the United States. The Starliner landing system includes parachutes as well as airbags, seen here, which are designed to absorb the shock of impact.
The Starliner adapted a best practice from the commercial industry, with backup manual controls for the pilot.
Boeing designed the Starliner to fit seven passengers comfortably or any combination of crew plus cargo.
Lightweight. Highly mobile. Minimalistic. Innovative. The architecture of Boeing’s newly designed spacesuit combines the first-hand experience of veteran astronaut Chris Ferguson with David Clark Co.’s decades of suit design, development, test and evaluation insight as the makers of more than a dozen air and space suits, including those for Gemini, Apollo and Space Shuttle missions. The “Boeing Blue” suit will be worn by all Starliner crew members during launch, ascent and re-entry and will be customized for each crew member to maximize protection, capability and comfort.
Want more images of the spacesuit? Check out the Starliner Gallery.
Rate-sensitive foam in the helmet provides comfort while a hard cranial band – seen here in blue – provides head protection.
Mobility joints in the shoulders and elbows allow for ease of movement even when the suit is pressurized.
The dual suit controller keeps suit pressure at a safe level.
Waist zipper helps maintain comfort while transitioning from sitting to standing.
The suit has breathable leg pockets to hold a survival kit and personal items.
Lightweight, specialized footwear was collaboratively developed by David Clark Co. and Reebok.
Lightweight, leather gloves are enabled for tablets and touch screens.
The airflow diverter valve helps keep astronauts cool and comfortable, while permeable layers allow water vapor – but not air – to pass through the suit fabric.
The Communications Cap Assembly within the helmet connects to the Starliner spacecraft, providing a critical communications loop with ground and space crews. Chris Ferguson, director of Starliner Crew and Mission Systems, is shown here wearing the Communications Cap Assembly.
The soft, lightweight helmet zips instead of latches. Chris Ferguson, director of Starliner Crew and Mission Systems, is shown here zipping closed the Starliner helmet.
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