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Boeing’s Starliner Crew Flight Test
Boeing’s Starliner commercial spacecraft has finally undertaken its long-awaited crew flight test, a topic of lively discussion on Episode 108 of This Week In Space. Despite being selected alongside SpaceX’s Crew Dragon in 2010, Starliner has encountered persistent delays, remaining behind schedule for years. In contrast, SpaceX has delivered crews to the International Space Station eight times while Boeing has yet to achieve this milestone.
The delays in Starliner’s development can be attributed to a myriad of challenges, including turbulence problems with the capsule on the Atlas launcher, issues with stuck valves, flammable materials, and faulty parachute lines. With SpaceX receiving $2.6 billion for its dragon flights and Boeing securing $4.3 billion in funding, the expectation was for Boeing to fly first. However, the reality paints a different picture.
Boeing’s Progress and Challenges
Despite the setbacks, Boeing managed to conduct two uncrewed missions, with the first one registering as a partial failure. The second mission, funded by Boeing itself, proved satisfactory to NASA. Now, the crucial phase involves putting a crew aboard Starliner. The question that now looms is whether Boeing can surmount its challenges and deliver on its promises.
About This Week In Space
This Week in Space is a program that delves into the new space age, exploring topics such as the race to the moon and Mars, rocket launches, skywatching events, and more. Hosted by Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik, the show provides insights, updates, and analysis on the latest happenings in the space industry, offering a comprehensive view of the developments shaping the future of space exploration.
Meet the Hosts
Rod Pyle, an esteemed space author and historian, boasts an impressive repertoire of work, including 18 books on space history, exploration, and development. With a background in producing documentaries and short films for renowned channels such as The History Channel, Discovery Communications, and Disney, Pyle brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to This Week In Space.
Tariq Malik, the Editor-in-Chief of Space.com, has been a prominent figure in space journalism for the past 18 years. Starting as an intern at Space.com in 2001, Malik has covered diverse topics ranging from human spaceflight to astronomy. His expertise and on-air presence have made him a respected voice in the space community.
With a shared passion for space exploration, Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik lead engaging discussions on This Week In Space, offering listeners a captivating glimpse into the world of space science and technology.
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