Space Taxis To The International Space Station? Boeing Will Provide

After being dependent on Russia in flying astronauts to and from the space station for five years, Boeing is getting ready to take charge. Its CST-100 is currently on its way to replacing Russia's Soyuz.

Known as the Chief Builder of the International Space Station, Boeing thought it should be the one providing taxi services to American astronauts, reports Air & Space Mag. As of writing, the company's goal is becoming closer to reality as a new parking spot gets installed in the station. On Friday, August 19, NASA astronauts Jeff Williams and Kate Rubins made a spacewalk and had an adapter attached on the docking port of the shuttle, according to a report made by TRT World. This device will enable the taxis being developed by Boeing and Space Exploration Technologies to park.

In 2015, NASA aimed to install the first new docking port. The equipment, however, was destroyed due to a SpaceX cargo ship launch accident.  Williams and Rubins routed a cable for the installation of the second docking port in 2018. Priority maintenance tasks were also expected to be done; but, communication problems occurred with the space suit of Williams, leading to the spacewalk's end.

On September 1, the two astronauts are set to make another spacewalk. The activity aims to install a high-definition camera on the exterior frame of the station and take back an unused solar array cooling panel. Relying on Russia costs $70 million for each person; hence, ending the dependence will apparently lead to saving a significant amount of money which can be used for the development of other projects.

Boeing, since the beginning of its operations, contributed a lot to the International Space Station's integration particularly its complicated parts. It also supports other enhancements for the station in 2024 and beyond. The enhancements include lithium-ion batteries for the solar arrays and new communication system. Lastly, it supports laboratory experiment racks.