Question 1

What rocket is launching CST-100 Starliner Orbital Flight Test?

Accepted Answer

CST-100 Starliner Orbital Flight Test is launching on the Atlas V N22.

Question 2

Who is launching CST-100 Starliner Orbital Flight Test?

Accepted Answer

CST-100 Starliner Orbital Flight Test is being launched by United Launch Alliance, a commercial launch provider founded in 2006.

Question 3

Where is CST-100 Starliner Orbital Flight Test launching from?

Accepted Answer

CST-100 Starliner Orbital Flight Test is launching from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA.

Question 4

What orbit is CST-100 Starliner Orbital Flight Test heading to?

Accepted Answer

CST-100 Starliner Orbital Flight Test is heading to Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

Question 5

Is the Atlas V N22 reusable?

Accepted Answer

No — the Atlas V N22 is an expendable launch vehicle.

Question 6

How many times has the Atlas V N22 flown?

Accepted Answer

The Atlas V N22 has launched 3 times to date, with 3 successful flights.

Question 7

What is the CST-100 Starliner Orbital Flight Test mission?

Accepted Answer

This is the first test flight of Starliner spacecraft to the International Space Station. Although Atlas V and Centaur upper stage successfully put Starliner into planned trajectory, the spacecraft was unable to perform a nominal orbital insertion. Preliminary analysis indicate that Mission Elapsed Time (MET) system error led to Starliner burning more fuel than expected. Spacecraft is healthy and in stable orbit, but won't be able to reach and dock with ISS. Landing at White Sands Facility is planned on Dec 22.

Question 8

Where is Cape Canaveral Space Force Station?

Accepted Answer

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station sits on Florida's Atlantic coast, on the Eastern Range run by the U.S. Space Force's Space Launch Delta 45. It is the United States' busiest launch site and has been America's gateway to orbit since the 1950s.

Question 9

Which rockets launch from Cape Canaveral?

Accepted Answer

SpaceX flies Falcon 9 from Space Launch Complex 40, and United Launch Alliance flies the Vulcan Centaur (and the retiring Atlas V) from Space Launch Complex 41.

Question 10

Is Cape Canaveral the same as the Kennedy Space Center?

Accepted Answer

No. Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and NASA's Kennedy Space Center are separate, neighbouring sites — Kennedy is on Merritt Island just to the north. Together they make up Florida's 'Space Coast'.

Question 11

Why do rockets launch from Cape Canaveral?

Accepted Answer

Its pads sit on the Eastern Range, letting rockets fly east out over the Atlantic toward the equatorial and geostationary orbits most commercial and national-security payloads need, away from populated land.

Question 12

Can you watch a launch from Cape Canaveral?

Accepted Answer

Yes — the Space Coast is one of the easiest places in the world to watch a launch from public land. Popular free spots include Playalinda Beach, Space View Park in Titusville, and Jetty Park at Port Canaveral.

CST-100 Starliner Orbital Flight Test

Overview

Mission details

Launch Window

Space Launch Complex 41

Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA

Frequently asked questions