Starliner Boeing CST 100 Launch : Will Boeing go bankrupt

 Boeing CST 100 Starliner: Orbital Flight Test 2

Starliner 100 Boeing Capsule

            After months of delays, Boeing is finally launching their starliner capsule.

            Earlier Boeing successfully conducted the pad abort test but the orbital test flight 1 was a partial failure. 

            Boeing is planning to conduct starliner CST 100 orbital test flight 2 on August 3rd, 2021. 

            They have also planned to conduct their first crewed mission in 2021. 

            But if the orbital test flight didn't go as planned the crew mission won't take place and that might lose their contract with NASA

Starliner Infographics

Boeing Starliner Spacecraft

            The Boeing CST 100 starliner capsule is used to transport astronauts to and from the International Space Station. 

            This crew capsule was designed by Boeing to participate in the commercial crew program. 

            It can take up to 7 astronauts and has a volume of about 11 m³ which is higher than SpaceX's Crew Dragon capsule having 9.3m³. 

            The Boeing Starliner Spacecraft can be launched by Delta IV, Falcon 9, Atlas V, and Vulcan Centaur launch vehicles. 

            This capsule can be reused 10 times and this is the only US capsule by NASA capable of landing on the ground and sea because of the specially designed airbags.

Starliner Suit 

            The spacesuit from Boeing looks way different from SpaceX. The blue color looks perfect for space travel. 

Starliner Suit png

            The soft helmet looks bigger and has zips instead of latches. 

            Unlike SpaceX, these space suits have huge leg pockets that can hold survival equipment and personal items. 

            They also have dual suit controllers to maintain pressure. Even if the suit is pressurized the astronauts can have great ease of movement and mobility. 

Atlas V with Starliner

Starliner Boeing Orbital Test Flight 2

            The orbital test flight will take place on August 3rd, 2021. 

            The Starliner capsule will be placed on top of one of the most reliable rockets, the Atlas V with two strap-on boosters. 

            Then the starliner capsule will be docked at the International Space Station. It will remain there for about a week. 

            Also, keep in mind that this is a demonstration mission and no astronauts will be on board.

Crew Dragon vs Starliner Boeing

This is a Crew Dragon vs Starliner Boeing

NASA Contract	Starliner	Crew Dragon
Successful Flights	1	4
Volume	11m3	9.3m3
Crew Capacity	4	4
Launch Vehicle	Atlas V	Falcon 9
Landing System	Parachute + Airbags	Parachute

            Dragon capsule has successfully sent three crewed missions to the International Space Station whereas, Boeing is still stuck with their orbital test flight. 

            They will be taking the crew mission later this year. The reason why Boeing lags behind is due to a huge number of delays.

Will Boeing go Bankrupt if this mission fails?

            This mission is now launching after months of delay. The plausible explanation is due to the fact that Boeing is an airline company so they didn't give much importance to the Space Sector. 

            Also due to the pandemic, Airline Industries fell into a greater loss. Boeing's shares also dropped by 70%. 

            If this mission didn't go according to plan, Boeing might lose the commercial crew contract with NASA which may lead to a greater downfall.

Conclusion

            If this mission goes according to plan, it will be a major milestone in the commercial crew program. 

            Boeing will be certified to send NASA astronauts to the International Space Station. Also, watch the launch live here 

What do you think about Boeing? Will they succeed? Tell us in the comments 

Also read: NASA plans to crash a spacecraft on an asteroid 

Will Boeing's Starliner Catch Up With SpaceX's Dragon?