Boeing CST-100 Starliner to begin final preflight testing
The craft will undergo environmental qualification testing at Boeing's satellite test facilities in El Segundo, CA, US.
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Boeing on Nov. 21 announced that after years of design, test and production, its CST-100 Starliner is ready to begin final preflight testing.
The crew capsule, known as Spacecraft 2, is to take Boeing astronaut Chris Ferguson and his two NASA crewmates, Eric Boe and Nicole Mann, to the International Space Station on the Starliner’s first crewed flight planned for next year.
In preparation, Spacecraft 2 will undergo environmental qualification testing at Boeing's satellite test facilities in El Segundo, CA, US where it will experience fierce vibrations, the vacuum of space, extreme temperatures and electromagnetic radiation. Upon successful conclusion of the test program, the Starliner will be deemed ready for the harsh environment of space. The craft will then fly an unmanned test flight prior to a crewed test flight and operational missions.
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