Tag

Commercial Crew Program

All articles tagged with #commercial crew program

NASA reshuffles human spaceflight leadership after Starliner findings
space-exploration1 day ago

NASA reshuffles human spaceflight leadership after Starliner findings

NASA is reshuffling its human spaceflight leadership after a critical Starliner report found serious issues in how Boeing’s first crewed Starliner flight was handled. Joel Montalbano will become acting associate administrator for the Space Operations Mission Directorate and Dana Hutcherson will be acting CCP program manager, taking over immediately, with Ken Bowersox retiring March 6 and Steve Stich remaining as an advisor to the Human Landing System. The Starliner Crew Flight Test experienced thruster problems and was reclassified as a Type A mishap, and NASA says leadership accountability is essential to maintain U.S. leadership in low Earth orbit and progress toward Artemis-era goals.

NASA labels Boeing’s Starliner flight a Type A mishap after near‑catastrophic thruster issues
space-exploration8 days ago

NASA labels Boeing’s Starliner flight a Type A mishap after near‑catastrophic thruster issues

NASA has reclassified Boeing’s Starliner Crew Flight Test as a Type A mishap—the agency’s most serious category—after thruster failures and a temporary loss of control threatened the mission, which nonetheless docked with the ISS. NASA officials stressed that different decisions could have led to a very different outcome and apologized for past classification biases. The investigation is ongoing, Starliner won’t carry astronauts again until thruster issues are resolved, and Boeing/NASA plan a future uncrewed cargo mission to the ISS no earlier than April 2026, with the ISS retirement slated for 2030 and a push for redundant commercial crew options.

NASA Reframes Boeing Starliner Crew Test Findings: Type A Mishap and Action Plan
science8 days ago

NASA Reframes Boeing Starliner Crew Test Findings: Type A Mishap and Action Plan

NASA released the final Program Investigation Team report on Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner crewed test, finding a mix of hardware failures, qualification gaps, leadership missteps and cultural breakdowns that created risk. The mission is classified as a Type A mishap, and NASA will pursue corrective actions with Boeing before Starliner is cleared to fly again.

NASA Astronauts Launch Historic First Crewed Starliner Test Flight
space-exploration1 year ago

NASA Astronauts Launch Historic First Crewed Starliner Test Flight

NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams have successfully launched aboard Boeing's Starliner spacecraft for its first crewed test flight to the International Space Station. This mission, part of NASA's Commercial Crew Program, aims to validate the Starliner system for future rotational missions. The spacecraft is set to dock with the ISS on June 6, where the astronauts will conduct various tests to ensure its performance. The mission marks a significant milestone in American space exploration and the collaboration between NASA and commercial partners.

Boeing's Starliner Faces Another Launch Delay with NASA Astronauts
space-exploration1 year ago

Boeing's Starliner Faces Another Launch Delay with NASA Astronauts

NASA will provide live coverage of the Boeing Crew Flight Test, launching astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams to the International Space Station on June 5. The mission aims to test the Starliner spacecraft and its subsystems, with docking scheduled for June 6. Coverage will be available on NASA's various platforms, and the mission is part of NASA's Commercial Crew Program to enhance space transportation.

Boeing's Starliner Crewed Mission Delayed Again Minutes Before Liftoff
space-exploration1 year ago

Boeing's Starliner Crewed Mission Delayed Again Minutes Before Liftoff

NASA has rescheduled the first astronaut-crewed flight of Boeing's Starliner to June 5 after a last-minute delay due to a ground power supply issue. The mission, part of NASA's Commercial Crew Program, aims to transport two astronauts to the International Space Station for a week-long evaluation. If successful, Starliner could be certified for routine ISS missions, complementing SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft.

Boeing's Starliner Set for Crewed Launch This Saturday
space-exploration1 year ago

Boeing's Starliner Set for Crewed Launch This Saturday

NASA has updated its coverage for the Boeing Crew Flight Test launch, which was scrubbed on June 1 due to a ground launch sequencer issue. The next potential launch dates are June 2, 5, and 6. The mission will carry NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams to the International Space Station for a week-long stay to test the Starliner spacecraft. NASA will provide live coverage of the launch and related activities on various platforms.

"Boeing's Starliner Cleared for First Astronaut Flight After Tape Removal"
spaceaviation1 year ago

"Boeing's Starliner Cleared for First Astronaut Flight After Tape Removal"

Boeing's Starliner spacecraft is set for its first crewed flight to the International Space Station in May, following the removal of safety hazards including flammable tape and parachute concerns. The spacecraft, part of NASA's Commercial Crew Program, has faced multiple delays and setbacks, but is now ready for launch with astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry “Butch” Wilmore on board. This marks a significant milestone for Boeing in its efforts to provide NASA with an alternative to relying solely on SpaceX for crewed missions to the ISS.

"Boeing Starliner's Crewed Flight to ISS Delayed to Early May"
spaceaviation1 year ago

"Boeing Starliner's Crewed Flight to ISS Delayed to Early May"

Boeing's Starliner crewed flight to the International Space Station (ISS) has been delayed once again, this time due to scheduling conflicts, pushing the launch to early May. The mission aims to take two astronauts to the ISS for a brief stay before returning to Earth after one to two weeks. The Starliner program has faced a decade of delays and technical issues, but this latest delay is due to administrative reasons. Despite the setbacks, NASA will host news conferences on March 22 to discuss the mission's objectives and plans.

"NASA's SpaceX Crew-8 Set for March 1 Launch to ISS"
space-exploration2 years ago

"NASA's SpaceX Crew-8 Set for March 1 Launch to ISS"

NASA and SpaceX are set to launch the Crew-8 mission to the International Space Station on March 1, carrying NASA astronauts Matthew Dominick, Michael Barratt, Jeanette Epps, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Grebenkin for a six-month stay. The mission will be the fifth for the Crew Dragon spacecraft, named Endeavour, and NASA is working with SpaceX to extend its certification for up to 15 flights. Additionally, Boeing's CST-100 Starliner is slated for its first crewed flight in April, amidst a busy schedule of missions to the ISS.

"NASA's Starliner Mission: Astronaut Launch and Crucial Upgrades"
spacescience2 years ago

"NASA's Starliner Mission: Astronaut Launch and Crucial Upgrades"

NASA invites media to apply for accreditation to cover the launch of NASA’s Boeing Crew Flight Test to the International Space Station, the company’s first Starliner spacecraft mission with crew, scheduled for mid-April 2024. The mission will test the end-to-end capabilities of the Starliner system, and successful completion will lead to the certification of Starliner and systems for crewed missions to the space station. U.S. media can also apply for a photo opportunity during the rollout of the Starliner spacecraft from Boeing’s Commercial Cargo and Processing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

space-exploration2 years ago

"SpaceX Reschedules NASA's Crew-8 Launch for Late February"

NASA and SpaceX are set to launch the eighth crewed mission to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of NASA's Commercial Crew Program (CCP) on March 1, 2024. The mission will be carried out by SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket and will include crew members from Roscosmos and NASA. Launch viewing tickets are available for purchase, offering access to the Apollo/Saturn V Center Premium LTT for an enhanced experience.

"Boeing's Starliner Capsule: A Challenging Business Case"
space-exploration2 years ago

"Boeing's Starliner Capsule: A Challenging Business Case"

Boeing's CST-100 Starliner spacecraft, once seen as a competitor to SpaceX in the race to fly astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS), has faced numerous setbacks and delays, with no successful crewed missions to date. The company has absorbed $1.4 billion in cost overruns, and NASA's safety advisers have called for an independent review of the program. In contrast, SpaceX has flown multiple missions to the ISS and secured additional contracts. Boeing's struggles may be attributed to the challenges of transitioning from cost-plus contracts to a fixed-price commercial model, as well as internal issues and technical difficulties. The future of the Starliner program remains uncertain, as Boeing grapples with market conditions and the need to deliver on vital national interest programs.

"Revolutionizing Space Travel: The Success of the Commercial Crew Program"
space-exploration2 years ago

"Revolutionizing Space Travel: The Success of the Commercial Crew Program"

NASA's Commercial Crew Program is successfully achieving its goal of providing safe, reliable, and cost-effective human transportation to and from the International Space Station through a partnership with American private industry, such as SpaceX. The program recently launched its eighth flight, Crew-7, which includes a six-month science mission aboard the ISS.

Boeing's Determination: Six ISS Flights Assured Despite Starliner Setback
space2 years ago

Boeing's Determination: Six ISS Flights Assured Despite Starliner Setback

Boeing's Starliner Crewed Flight Test (CFT) to the International Space Station (ISS) has been delayed to next year, with the earliest chance for launch in March. Despite the delay, Boeing remains confident in completing the six crewed flights ordered by NASA. The delay was caused by issues with flammable tape and weak parachute soft links. Boeing has redesigned the soft links and is in the middle of testing, while also replacing the flammable tape. The company plans to have the spacecraft ready by early March and is working with NASA and United Launch Alliance on potential launch dates.