• UGI USER
  • Jun 06, 2024
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“BOEING’S STARLINER CAPSULE LAUNCHES ASTRONAUTS TO SPACE STATION SUCCESSFULLY”

Why in the news?

  • Boeing launched its Starliner capsule with astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams to the International Space Station, marking its first crewed flight and joining SpaceX in providing NASA’s taxi service.
  • The launch faced multiple delays due to spacecraft flaws, including software issues, parachute problems, and a helium leak, but proceeded successfully after these issues were addressed.

About Boeing Starliner (CST-100):

  • Also Known As: CST-100 (Crew Space Transportation)
  • Purpose: Designed for space travel, transporting astronauts.
  • Reusability: Partially reusable for multiple missions.
  • Launch Vehicle: Fits atop an Atlas V rocket, operated by United Launch Alliance (Boeing and Lockheed Martin).

Components:

  • Crew Capsule: Houses astronauts, survives reentry, and returns to the ground.
  • Service Module: Provides life-support systems (air, temperature control, water, sanitation) and engines/fuel for maneuvering.
source:bbc
About International Space Station (ISS):

  • Largest Man-Made Object in Space: Launched on November 20, 1998.
  • Continuous Habitation: Inhabited since 2011.
  • Orbit: About 400 km above Earth, circles the Earth every 92 minutes, completing 15.5 orbits per day.
  • Speed: Travels at approximately 28,000 km/h.
  • Participating Agencies: NASA (USA), Roscosmos (Russia), JAXA (Japan), ESA (Europe), CSA (Canada).
  • Scientific Research: To expand knowledge about space and microgravity.
  • Expected Operation: Until 2030.

Associated Article:

https://universalinstitutions.com/indias-own-space-station/