Boeing Starliner Spacecraft Aces Critical Safety Test

End-to-End Abort System Test Marks Major Milestone

Astronaut Crew Suit Test Dummy Outfitted with Sensors

NASA TV provided live coverage of today's successful test maneuver, during which the Boeing CST-100 Starliner spacecraft was equipped with an anthropomorphic test dummy outfitted with sensors to simulate the presence of an astronaut crew.

The test was a critical milestone in the Starliner's development, as it demonstrated the spacecraft's ability to safely abort from the launch pad in the event of an emergency.

According to ULA CEO Tory Bruno, the test involved retracting the Crew Access Arm on the launch pad, activating the launch abort system, and igniting the Starliner's Atlas V rocket to propel it into orbit.

This "Boeing Pad Abort Test," also known as Boe-PAT, was conducted by Boeing as part of its contract with NASA to develop the Starliner as a commercial crew transportation system.