1.    Introduction to Boeing Starliner

  • The Boeing Starliner is a revolutionary spacecraft built with the purpose of transporting astronauts to space. A product of Boeing's ambitious space program, Starliner is set to be launched on an Atlas V rocket, marking its third test flight and first manned journey into the
  • The spacecraft comprises two main sections: the crew capsule and the service module. The crew capsule, the astronaut's spaceflight accommodation, is designed to survive both, rigours of space and reentry to Meanwhile, the service module houses all necessary life support equipment and necessary technical systems - from air and temperature control to water supply, sanitation and the engines for movement control in space.

2.  Unique Attributes of the Starliner

  • A marvel of modern engineering, Starliner is more than 4 metres wide and has the capacity to house up to seven astronauts for space missions.
  • The spacecraft stands out due to its innovative, weldless structure and reusability, boasting of a turnaround time of six months and up to ten
  • In a blend of aerospace and digital technology, the capsule provides wireless internet and incorporates tablet technology for crew
  • Starliner is compatible with the Atlas V rocket, owned by United Launch Alliance - a joint venture between aerospace giants Boeing and Lockheed Martin.

3.  The Starliner Mission and its Importance

  • NASA, in 2014, awarded contracts to both SpaceX and Boeing for undertaking manned missions to the International Space Station (ISS).
  • Since then, SpaceX has managed 13 missions with its Dragon crew capsule. However, after NASA's Space Shuttle programme cancellation in 2011 and waiting for SpaceX's Dragon capsule till 2020, the only spacecraft that could transport astronauts to the ISS was Russia's Soyuz.
  • If the manned Starliner mission succeeds, it will be a substantial achievement for the U.S., marking the first time in history for the country to have two operable spacecraft for astronaut
  • SpaceX and Boeing will be alternating in their dispatch of astronauts to the ISS. Each crew's expedition can last up to six months. This arrangement will continue until the decommissioning of the ISS, which is expected in the next decade.

4.  Pointers for Current Affairs and General Knowledge Examination

- Boeing's Starliner is set to embark on its first manned test flight to space.

  • Starliner is a two-part spacecraft, consisting of a crew capsule (reusable) and a service module (non-reusable).
  • Starliner has the capacity to accommodate up to seven astronauts and can be reused up to 10
  • Unlike many spacecraft, the Starliner is also equipped with wireless internet and tablet interfacing for the crew.
  • The successful launch of Starliner would provide the U.S. with two functional spacecraft for astronaut missions, the other being SpaceX's Dragon crew capsule.
  • The successful launch and operation of both the Starliner and Dragon crew capsule are important steps towards increased human presence and operations in space.2