Starliner Launch Escape System

Starliner's Critical Crew Escape System Test: A Milestone for Crewed Spaceflight

Updated Nov 8 2021 258 PM EST

Importance of the Crew Escape System

The Boeing Starliner spacecraft's crew escape system is a crucial component of the spacecraft's safety system. It is designed to propel the crew away from the rocket in the event of an emergency during launch or ascent. This capability is a key difference from the NASA Space Shuttle, which lacked a crew escape system.

The Starliner's escape system, known as the pusher abort system, utilizes a solid-fuel rocket motor to provide the necessary thrust to separate the crew module from the rocket.

Benefits of the Escape System

The pusher abort system offers several advantages: * It allows for safe crew escape throughout the launch and ascent phase of the mission, including during the critical moment of maximum aerodynamic pressure. * In an emergency, it can rapidly separate the crew module from the rocket, minimizing exposure to potential hazards. * It provides a diverse range of abort options to accommodate various emergency scenarios.

The successful test of the Starliner's crew escape system marks a significant milestone in the development of the spacecraft. It brings Boeing and NASA closer to the first crewed launch of the Starliner, a mission that will further advance human space exploration.