Скачать или смотреть Boeing Successfully Tests Starliner Spacecraft’s Abort System

Boeing and NASA successfully tested the abort system of the CST Starliner spacecraft, which is intended to ferry astronauts to and from the International Space Station, from the U.S. Army’s White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, Monday, November 4.

In the unlikely event of a catastrophic emergency prior to liftoff, the abort system is meant to safely jet the astronauts away from the launch pad.

During the test, the Starliner’s abort engines fired, pushing it away from the test pad until it reached a peak altitude of 1371 meters (4,500 feet). Once it was in position for landing, two of the craft’s three parachutes deployed, just under a half a minute into the test. Although designed with three parachutes, two opening successfully is acceptable for the test parameters.

After one minute, the head shield was released and the airbags inflated as the Starliner made it to the ground intact.

The entire demonstration took about 95 seconds.

Boeing’s next mission will launch an unmanned Starliner spacecraft to the International Space Station from Cape Canaveral. Launch is targeted for December 17. (NASA)