Boeing Starts Two Week Long Fuel Loading On Starliner Spaceship

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Despite experiencing a lengthy delay in its Starliner program, Boeing is now prepared to launch its first crew as part of the CFT crew flight test mission to the International Space Station (ISS) in collaboration with NASA. The Starliner spacecraft, developed by Boeing’s Defense division, is the company’s primary product for human spaceflight missions to the ISS, working alongside SpaceX’s Crew Dragon. The CFT test is scheduled for May, and a press conference is expected to be held later this week to provide further updates.

Boeing Begins Fueling Procedure for Starliner Spaceship Ahead of Launch

In 2020, SpaceX successfully launched their first crewed mission for the Dragon program, known as the DM-2 flight, which transported astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley to the International Space Station (ISS). This was the first time a private company had sent astronauts to the ISS, setting the stage for the subsequent SpaceX Crew-1 mission in July 2021.

Since then, NASA has successfully launched seven crewed missions to the ISS, with the most recent one departing from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida earlier this month. Additionally, Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft is currently undergoing pre-flight preparations at the KSC. Launching a spacecraft, especially one that will carry astronauts, is a meticulous and lengthy process that involves thorough evaluation of numerous performance factors.

As part of the CFT, NASA and Boeing will conduct tests to evaluate the ship’s capability to journey to the ISS, align with the station, and successfully dock with it. The second phase of the mission, which marks the completion of the first phase, will be just as crucial as it will involve the crew traveling inside the Starliner at high velocities as they return to Earth.

Similar to SpaceX’s Dragon, Starliner also utilizes parachutes to slow down its speed during the last stage before landing. In January, NASA and Boeing conducted tests of the parachutes by attaching them to a sled and using an army proving ground.

The Starliner at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida in February 2023. Image: NASA

Boeing has stated that the fueling process for Starliner will span a period of approximately two weeks, during which a dedicated team of technicians and engineers will undertake this critical preparation. Fueling the spacecraft is a pivotal milestone in its launch timeline, and the team must ensure that the ship is in flawless condition before proceeding with loading the propellants. This is because certain issues cannot be resolved during or after the fueling process.

Currently, the Starliner is scheduled to launch in May using the United Launch Alliance’s (ULA) Atlas V rocket. The Vulcan, a launch vehicle with a limited number of remaining missions, has been retired. ULA’s new Vulcan, which made its debut earlier this year by sending a lander to the Moon, will take its place.

As of May 2022, the Starliner has been launched twice. One of these launches, named OFT-2, was initially scheduled for 2021. However, due to malfunctioning valves, NASA and Boeing were forced to postpone it. Despite the delay, OFT-2 was ultimately successful in docking with the ISS. Yet, during orbital insertion, a few thrusters did not function as intended.

Starliner, together with Crew Dragon, is included in NASA’s Commercial Crew Program (CCP). This program aims to transfer the responsibility of launching crewed missions from NASA to commercial companies. However, this arrangement is expected to shift with the implementation of the Artemis program. The Artemis program will utilize Boeing’s SLS rocket, which will be equipped with Northrop Grumman’s solid stage boosters. This will mark the first time since the Space Shuttle that NASA will have its own human-rated rocket.