(Sen) - The spacecraft being developed by Boeing, the Crew Space
Transportation (CST)-100, has completed another successful
parachute drop test. The CST-100 capsule was lifted to 14,000
feet by helicopter and dropped. The parachutes deployed
successfully and the capsule descended smoothly to its landing
site, cushioned by six inflated air bags. This was the second
successful parachute drop test in recent weeks. "This second
parachute drop test validates Boeing's innovative system
architecture and deployment plan," said John Mulholland, vice
president and program manager, Boeing Commercial Programs.
"Boeing's completion of this milestone reaffirms our commitment
to provide safe, reliable and affordable crewed access to
space." Boeing has now achieved 40 milestones in the development
of the CST-100. The development program will see further tests
this year including a heat shield jettison test and an orbital
manoeuvering control engine hot fire test that will provide more
data on key elements of the spacecraft's