Over at Space Launch Complex 41 in Cape Canaveral, United Launch Alliance has begun their first Integrated Day of Launch Test (IDOLT) for the CST-100 Starliner Orbital Flight Test, currently scheduled to take place on December 19th.
The first shift of launch controllers is on station at the start of the 11-hour countdown for today's launch day rehearsal of the #AtlasV and #Starliner. The vehicle will be fully fueled for the full-up demonstration that follows the real countdown timeline. pic.twitter.com/lZyVOvZyVE
— ULA (@ulalaunch) December 6, 2019
Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner is one of two spacecraft taking part in NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, which will provide human transportation to and from low-Earth orbit and the International Space Station from the United States for the first time since the last flight of the space shuttle in July 2011. In this uncrewed Orbital Flight Test, the Starliner capsule will launch to the ISS, dock there, and then return to Earth after an orbital shakedown cruise, providing data necessary for the next step in the process: the first crewed test flight.
While the Starliner has been built to be compatible with multiple rockets, this initial test flight will launch on ULA’s Atlas V rocket. The Atlas V will fly with two solid rocket boosters and a dual-engine Centaur upper stage, providing plenty of thrust to escape that pesky Earth atmosphere and optimize the ascent to the ISS.
Fueling operations have begun at Space Launch Complex-41 to load liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen into the #AtlasV. The rocket will be completely fueled, then the pad re-opened for the Blue Team to enter and prepare #Starliner. The same process will be used for crewed missions.
— ULA (@ulalaunch) December 6, 2019
Yesterday, as eager spectators awaited SpaceX’s CRS-19 cargo to the ISS, we were treated to a rare sight: two spacecraft on their pads, readying for launch. Astronaut Sunita Williams, scheduled to command the first Starliner crewed mission, captured the spectacle:
Exciting times! TWO rockets on the launch pads! Spacex cargo Dragon getting ready to launch and Starliner/Atlas V rehersing for launch. pic.twitter.com/FKeNfMkjm7
— Sunita Williams (@Astro_Suni) December 4, 2019
Currently, the Atlas V is fully fueled, as the dress rehearsal proceeds. Pending successful conclusion, the launch is scheduled for December 19th at 6:59 am – a launch time which increases the potential for the noctilucent effect, wherein the rays of the not-yet-risen sun illuminate the rocket’s plume to great visual effect. Good vantage points for viewing include the beaches of Port Canaveral and the parks along U.S. 1 in Titusville. You won’t want to miss this historic launch!
Today, you can find @BoeingSpace's CST-100 #Starliner stacked on top of a fueled @ULALaunch Atlas V rocket for the first ever Integrated Day of Launch Test, or IDOLT.
Today's rehearsal is practice for the upcoming uncrewed Orbital Flight Test.
🔗: https://t.co/J1zJeGK7Ix https://t.co/E7TDanKCQZ
— NASA Commercial Crew (@Commercial_Crew) December 6, 2019
(Update: As of 2:00 pm, the dress rehearsal has been completed successfully. Onward to launch day!)
Today's #AtlasV #Starliner launch day rehearsal has been successfully accomplished, taking the countdown to the final second at Cape Canaveral. The rocket will be drained of fuel and safed this afternoon before rollback to the Vertical Integration Facility tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/W8rasLXPAr
— ULA (@ulalaunch) December 6, 2019