Boeing supporting next phase of U.S. space journey
by Boeing | April 05, 2011 | Crew Space Transportation , International Space Station , NASA , Space Shuttle
In the same way that Boeing helped launch commercial aviation decades ago, Boeing is working to develop what could become a true commercial space transportation system: a commercial service to take crew to the International Space Station and other destinations. Shown here is an artist concept of Boeing's Crew Space Transportation (CST)-100 spacecraft approaching the International Space Station. (Boeing Image)
As America continues its journey into space, Boeing is working with NASA to develop and help operate the systems that will make that exploration possible.
Since the dawn of the space age, Boeing and its heritage companies have designed and built every U.S.-manufactured vehicle that has carried our astronauts to and from space. As the developer and manufacturer of the Space Shuttle orbiters, the company continues to handle engineering support to operations (including launch) and overall shuttle systems and payload integration services.
Over more than 30 years of operation, shuttle orbiters have carried hundreds of astronauts into orbit; launched, recovered and repaired satellites; conducted cutting-edge research, and built the largest structure in space, the ISS.
Boeing is also the prime contractor for the International Space Station (ISS), the largest, most complex international scientific and engineering space project in history. While the shuttle program may be winding down, the company is providing sustaining engineering and operational support for the ISS and enhancements to ensure full use of ISS through at least 2020.
As the United States looks for new ways to reach the space station, Boeing is working with NASA to mature its design of the Crew Space Transportation (CST)-100 spacecraft and will conduct key tests this year. Boeing plans to have its spacecraft ready for flight operations in 2015.
NASA is also considering a variety of deep-space destinations, such as asteroids and Mars, and a new heavy-lift rocket will be needed to conduct these missions. Boeing is the prime contractor for the Ares I rocket Upper Stage Production and Instrument Unit Avionics, which are critical precursors to the new rocket. We will continue to support NASA as it defines the path forward.
To learn more about Boeing's position on the future of space exploration, click here.
