One spacecraft has already completed eight missions with NASA crews and three with private crews to the International Space Station (ISS), while the other is gearing up for its inaugural crewed flight next week.
Both spacecraft have a capacity of up to seven astronauts or a combination of crew and cargo. They were specifically designed to rendezvous with the ISS, traveling at speeds of 17,500 mph at an altitude of 200-250 miles above Earth, completing an orbit every 90 minutes. However, one of them splashes down in the ocean upon return, while the other makes a “soft landing” in the desert.
The primary goal for both spacecraft was to provide transportation to the ISS for NASA astronauts after the retirement of the Space Shuttle. Both were selected for funding under NASA’s Commercial Crew contract in 2014.
Boeing is gearing up to launch its Starliner capsule, officially known as the Crew Space Transportation (CST)-100 Starliner, on its maiden crewed mission from Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The historic significance of the launch site, which has hosted missions dating back to the Titan rockets in 1965, adds to the anticipation surrounding the event. The mission will be powered by a ULA Atlas V rocket, marking the first time this rocket will carry astronauts into space.
Part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, Boeing aims to regularly transport NASA astronauts to the ISS following the success of this upcoming Crew Flight Test. The spacecraft, named Calypso for this mission, is expected to continue servicing NASA missions after certification. Boeing has already secured orders for six additional crewed missions from NASA.
Calypso, named by Crew Flight Test astronaut Sunita “Suni” Williams, pays tribute to her passion for ocean exploration. Inspired by Jacques Cousteau’s ship of the same name, known for its pioneering work in underwater observation, Williams chose the name as a symbol of exploration and discovery. Mission commander Butch Wilmore will join Williams on the inaugural flight of the Starliner.
