Boeing has officially unveiled the interior of its CST-100 commercial spacecraft. This marks the first public look at the inside of Boeing’s new crew capsule designed to take two astronauts into orbit. The official name for the capsule is the Crew Space Transportation-100.
Innovative Design and Features
Boeing believes that the new space capsule will be a cost-effective way to give the ability to put astronauts into orbit back to the United States. The capsule was specifically designed for low Earth orbit destinations such as the International Space Station (ISS). The first flight for the CST-100 is expected to occur in 2016.
The interior of the CST-100 is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to ensure the safety and comfort of the astronauts. Inside, the Boeing capsule features LED lighting and touchscreen technology, which are significant upgrades from the traditional switches and dials found in older spacecraft. The touchscreens provide a more intuitive interface for astronauts to control the spacecraft, making operations smoother and more efficient.
Competition and Future Prospects
If that flight is successful, NASA could win a contract to take crew to and from the International Space Station. Boeing is competing against two other companies, including SpaceX and Sierra Nevada, to win a contract under NASA’s commercial crew development program. This program aims to foster the development of a new generation of U.S. commercial spacecraft capable of carrying astronauts to low Earth orbit and beyond.
SpaceX, with its Dragon spacecraft, and Sierra Nevada, with its Dream Chaser spaceplane, are formidable competitors. SpaceX has already achieved significant milestones with its Dragon capsule, which has successfully transported cargo to the ISS. Sierra Nevada’s Dream Chaser, on the other hand, offers a unique design resembling a mini space shuttle, capable of landing on conventional runways.
The CST-100’s design also includes a unique feature: it can be reused up to ten times, significantly reducing the cost per flight. This reusability is a crucial factor in making space travel more economical and sustainable in the long term. Additionally, the capsule is designed to be compatible with multiple launch vehicles, including the Atlas V, Delta IV, and Falcon 9 rockets, providing flexibility in launch options.
Boeing’s extensive experience in aerospace engineering and its long-standing relationship with NASA give it a competitive edge. The company has been a key player in the development of various space technologies, including the Space Shuttle and the International Space Station. This expertise is reflected in the CST-100’s design, which prioritizes safety, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
The CST-100’s development is part of a broader trend towards the commercialization of space. As private companies take on a more significant role in space exploration, the cost of access to space is expected to decrease, opening up new opportunities for scientific research, commercial ventures, and even space tourism. Boeing’s CST-100 is poised to be a major player in this new era of space exploration.
via Tech News World
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