Boeing's CST-100 Emerges from Delta System Definition Review

Boeing's seven-person CST-100 nears docking with International Space Station's U. S. segment. Image credit/Boeing

Boeing expects to complete a system Preliminary Design Review of the company's seven-person, Commercial Space Transportation (CST)-100 spacecraft by no later than the early spring of 2012, following a successful delta System Definition Review that produced agreement on an integrated baseline design for the structures, thermal, electrical, propulsion, life support, software and avionics subsystems. The company plans to begin test flights in 2014 and start operational commercial transportation services to orbital destinations, including the International Space Station, a year later -- with the successful evolution of firm requirements and adequate funding, according to a June 13 statement. In April, Boeing was the top recipient among four competitors for funding under phase two of NASA's Commercial Space Development initiative. The $92.3 million CCDev2 award joined $18 million Boeing received a year earlier. The CST-100 Delta Systems Definition Review was completed on May 19 and included representatives from NASA, the Federal Aviation Administration as well as the company's independent consultants. "We brought in outside experts, who reviewed the vehicle design from an overall integrated system perspective to ensure that we are designing and building a safe and affordable system," said Keith Reiley, Boeing's Commercial Crew Programs deputy manager. The effort demonstrated a "strong alignment" between the current design and NASA's Commercial Crew Program Requirements documentation, the company said.

Tags: os 99, Boeing, ISS, NASA