Commercial Crew Transportation Capability (CCtCap) SpaceX and Boeing Developments

[Nikxice]

NASA isn't wasting time planning ahead for Crew-2 and future staffing onboard the ISS. Today NASA announced the crewmembers assigned to USCV-2. From NASA's press release,

"Crew-2 is targeted to launch in spring 2021, following the successful completion of both NASA’s SpaceX Demo-2 test flight mission, which is expected to return to Earth Aug. 2, and the launch of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-1 mission, which is targeted for late September. The Crew-2 astronauts will remain aboard the space station for approximately six months as expedition crew members, along with three crewmates who will launch via a Russian Soyuz spacecraft. The increase of the full space station crew complement to seven members – over the previous six – will allow NASA to effectively double the amount of science that can be conducted in space."

Among the four crewmembers is ESA French astronaut Thomas Pesquet. Akihiko Hoshide will be the second astronaut from JAXA (Soichi Noguchi is assigned to USCV-1). The Commander is three time flyer and six time spacewalker Shane Kimbrough. Astronaut Megan McArthur was a mission specialist on STS-125, the last Hubble servicing mission in 2009.
When he's finished I hope DM-2 Bob leaves a clean capsule, otherwise he's going catch it from his wife.

The full release is here.
https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/...fly-on-spacex-crew-2-mission-to-space-station

 

[e-FTW]

I wish that Little Earth just keeps going up with each mission.
I mean, she even checked out the Soyuz:

 

[Grendal]

 

[Grendal]

CNBC mini documentary:

 

[Cosmacelf]

CNBC mini documentary:

Nice summary. Very pro-SpaceX I thought. They brought up an interesting point. With Boeing's airplane business in deep trouble (no one's buying airplanes right now), their space sector ought to be a lifeline for them. If they can get their act together that is. Boeing is a very big company, but I've got to wonder if bankruptcy is a possible outcome for them.

 

[ecarfan]

With Boeing's airplane business in deep trouble (no one's buying airplanes right now), their space sector ought to be a lifeline for them.

I’m doubtful. Space is a very small part of Boeing’s overall business and revenue from NASA contracts is not going to increase for them given their recent screwups. While Boeing’s space division will survive, that won’t help airline business or the overall health of the company.

 

[e-FTW]

Here’s something to noodle on: a lot has been made of the slick, clean interior of Crew Dragon.
In the midst of his historic mission, video of crew interviews has Doug saying that he expected Crew Dragon’s interior to slowly accrue (accrete?) more hardware as mission needs dictate and more things are discovered to be needed.
I kind of doubt it would get to Apollo-levels of panels and switches everywhere, but I do wonder what Crew Dragon will look like in a year or two.

 

[ecarfan]

In the midst of his historic mission, video of crew interviews has Doug saying that he expected Crew Dragon’s interior to slowly accrue (accrete?) more hardware as mission needs dictate and more things are discovered to be needed

I’m sure that is possible, but if so I think SpaceX will work very hard to maintain the clean, minimalist aesthetic. Elon is a bit obsessive about that.

 

[Grendal]

 

[e-FTW]

I’m sure that is possible, but if so I think SpaceX will work very hard to maintain the clean, minimalist aesthetic. Elon is a bit obsessive about that.

Oh I agree! It sounded like he was juxtaposing his Shuttle program experience to Dragon. We shall see!

 

[ecarfan]

Good to see NASA pump up SpaceX. But the production quality of that video was disappointing. The added graphics on either side of the frame were consistently cut off and not very useful. There was very little information provided.

 

[favo]

Good to see NASA pump up SpaceX. But the production quality of that video was disappointing. The added graphics on either side of the frame were consistently cut off and not very useful. There was very little information provided.

This is a 360 degree video, so you can pan left or right to see the whole graphic or other parts of the factory.

 

[Grendal]

Update from NASA about Starliner:
https://www.nasa.gov/feature/boeing-s-starliner-makes-progress-ahead-of-flight-test-with-astronauts

 

[e-FTW]

Update from NASA about Starliner:
https://www.nasa.gov/feature/boeing-s-starliner-makes-progress-ahead-of-flight-test-with-astronauts

Oh my, the attempted spin, the understatements...
“OFT-2 will fly a new, reusable Starliner crew module providing additional on-orbit experience for the operational teams prior to flying missions with astronauts.”
“[...]comprehensive test of flight software and an important step in preparing for an end-to-end mission rehearsal test.”
“In addition to opting to re-fly its uncrewed flight test, Boeing elected to comprehensively implement all of the recommendations provided by the review team.”

 

[ecarfan]

In addition to opting to re-fly its uncrewed flight test, Boeing elected to comprehensively implement all of the recommendations provided by the review team.”

Boeing did not “opt” to fly a second uncrewed mission, they were required to do that.

Talk about re-writing history. Seems to be a trend these days...

 

[Grendal]

Boeing astronaut Chris Ferguson withdraws from Starliner test flight - SpaceNews

 

[Mickeyflea]

Really odd that

 

[ItsNotAboutTheMoney]

Really odd that

Not really odd. I just read his positive family issue as his wife being pregnant.

 

[HVM]

I would read as same, but both Fergusons are over 50...

OK here it is:
Astronaut chooses daughter's wedding over space test flight

 

[Grendal]

Something is up with a recent batch of Merlins that are in booster B1061 and B1062. Something having to do with the gas generators in some Merlins are causing delays to Crew 1 (B1061) and the GPS III (B1062) launches. Merlins from B1062 are back at MacGregor for testing.

Falcon 9 investigation ongoing as SpaceX continues Starlink launches - SpaceNews