Boeing's CST-100 Starliner: Will It Land on Ground or Water?

When discussing the Boeing CST-100 Starliner, a frequent topic of discussion is how it will land—in ground or in water. The current indications are that the Starliner will likely attempt to land on solid ground, rather than utilizing landing rockets like the Soyuz. This article examines the reasoning behind this choice and the importance of safety tests involving both ground and water landings.

Why Ground Landing?

There are several reasons why Boeing might opt for a solid ground landing with the Starliner. Firstly, and most importantly, landing on ground facilitates the reusability of the capsule. Ground landing means the capsule is not exposed to the corrosive effects of saltwater, which is a significant issue for reusable rockets like those used in the Space Shuttle era.

Secondly, ground landing simplifies retrieval operations. If the capsule lands on solid ground, search and recovery teams can access and retrieve it more easily. This can significantly reduce turnaround time between missions and increase overall efficiency.

Water Landings: Safety Nets and Emergency Preparedness

However, Boeing is not ignoring the possibility of water landings. In fact, they are conducting extensive water landing tests for several reasons. These tests help ensure the capsule can safely handle a water landing in case of an emergency. Space missions can sometimes experience unexpected situations that might necessitate an emergency splashdown.

One significant aspect of these water landing tests is ensuring crew safety. The inclusion of a crew of swimmers or divers in the first video clip suggests that Boeing is conducting drills to ensure the crew can be safely recovered. These drills would also help in testing how the capsule will behave in water, such as whether it will float properly and remain stable during a water landing.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

While it is highly probable that the Boeing CST-100 Starliner will aim to land on solid ground, it is important to recognize that safety is paramount in space missions. By conducting both ground and water landing tests, Boeing is ensuring that the capsule can adapt to various landing scenarios, thereby increasing the chances of a safe and successful mission.

Therefore, beyond the official sources, it is reasonable to expect a mix of ground and water landing capabilities in case of unforeseen circumstances. However, given the operational advantages, a solid ground landing seems more likely for the Starliner's primary missions.