First CST-100 Starliner hull completed for Structural Test Article.
Boeingâs Starliner spacecraft completed a major preflight milestone last week when the two halves of its Structural Test Article were mated together for the first time May 2.Â
Although the Structural Test Article is not intended for flight in space, it follows the spacecraftâs fabrication, assembly and testing methods. This ensures that engineers are ready to assembly and integrate spaceworthy vehicles.
Ever since the STA began fabrication, the upper and lower halves of the pressure vessel were separated. Now that theyâve been mated, work will not begin on outfitting the capsule with its systems. Once assembly is complete, the STA will undergo testing regimes that space-bound Starliners will experience.
Starliners are assembled and tested in the Commercial Crew and Cargo Processing Facility, the former Orbiter Processing Facility 3 from the Space Shuttle Program.
P/c: Boeing.














