Boeing’s Starliner Capsule Cleared for Orbital Flight Test to ISS

Boeing and NASA have recently completed assessments for the CST-100 Starliner that certifies its readiness for an orbital flight test to the International Space Station on Dec. 20, International Business Times reported Saturday.

Teams facilitated a Flight Readiness Review for Starliner which includes assessments of the crew capsule’s support systems and mission operations.

Starliner will be launched aboard United Launch Alliance’s Atlas V rocket and carry a mannequin named “Rosie the Astronaut” which will contain sensors designed to measure gravitational forces as part of the flight test under NASA’s Commercial Crew Program.

Rosie, which was named after the World War II icon “Rosie the Riveter,” was first announced to take part in the test last month. According to Leanne Caret, president of Boeing’s defense, space and security business and a 2019 Wash100 Award recipient, Rosie serves as a symbol of “everyone who has shown grit and determination” to support the mission to the ISS.

NASA and Boeing plan to conduct a second flight test for a crewed Starliner capsule in 2020.