A scale model of Boeing’s CST-100 spacecraft with an Atlas V rocket successfully underwent a fit check, verifying that the model accurately fits the hardware that will be used during dynamic stability testing in NASA Langley Research Center’s Transonic Dynamics Tunnel (TDT) this spring.
Boeing is one of three American companies working with NASA’s Commercial Crew Program (CCP) to develop safe, reliable and cost-effective crew transportation systems during NASA’s Commercial Crew Integrated Capability (CCiCap) initiative, which is intended to make commercial human spaceflight services available for government and commercial customers.
Triumph Aerospace Systems, Inc. in Newport News, Va., built the model in collaboration with Boeing Space Exploration of Houston. NASA Langley will provide expertise and facilities to characterize the dynamic stability of Boeing’s CST-100. The test will consist of two dynamic stability test techniques, known as free-to-oscillate and forced oscillation, which will characterize the external forces the spacecraft could experience during an emergency abort from the launch vehicle.
Characterization of the test equipment and lessons learned will be directly applicable to future test programs. Additionally, the test will help maintain the center’s critical skills in highly specialized areas and unique facilities, and generate revenue for the center.
Credit: NASA