Why Starliner Can’t Launch on a Falcon 9: Insights and Implications

Boeing's CST-100 Starliner spacecraft, designed to transport crew and cargo to the International Space Station (ISS) under NASA's Commercial Crew Program, is currently configured to launch on the United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket. This choice is not without reason, as it involves complex interplays of design, contractual agreements, performance, safety considerations, and development. This article explores the key factors behind this decision and why a switch to a Falcon 9 rocket, built by SpaceX, remains unlikely.

Design and Compatibility

The Starliner spacecraft is specifically engineered to be compatible with the ULA Atlas V rocket. The design compatibility includes the precise connection mechanisms, integration processes, and specific requirements associated with the launch infrastructure. While the Falcon 9 is a highly capable launch vehicle, Starliner's current design is optimized for the Atlas V, underscoring the importance of compatibility in spacecraft design.

Contractual Agreements

Boeing and NASA have a contract stipulating the use of the Atlas V for all Starliner missions. This contractual obligation means that mission parameters, including the rocket choice, are predetermined. Changing the launch vehicle would require significant renegotiation of these agreements, potentially leading to delays and additional costs.

Performance and Mission Requirements

Performance characteristics of the Atlas V, such as payload capacity, trajectory, and reliability, align with the starliner's mission requirements. After rigorous assessment during the development phase, the Atlas V was chosen for its suitability for the planned missions. While the Falcon 9 is a versatile launch vehicle, its departure from the established mission profile could introduce uncertainties and risks.

Regulatory and Safety Considerations

Launch vehicles must undergo extensive safety reviews and regulatory processes. A change in the launch vehicle would require a re-evaluation of these safety protocols and mission parameters, complicating the already complex process of crewed spaceflight. Any such change would necessitate additional safety certifications, which could be time-consuming and costly.

Development and Testing

Each spacecraft undergoes rigorous testing with its designated launch vehicle. Soyuz ITV RAS: Starliner has already been extensively tested with the Atlas V. Changing to a different launch vehicle would require additional testing and validation to ensure that the spacecraft's systems function correctly with the Falcon 9. This would add significant time and resources to the development process.

Political and Economic Factors

The decision to launch Starliner on the Atlas V was also influenced by geopolitical considerations. Boeing and SpaceX are competing for ISS business, with CrewDragon missions also on the table. The Atlas V uses Russian-manufactured RD-180 engines in its first stage. Concerns over political tensions between the US and Russia led Boeing to design Starliner to be compatible with both Atlas V and Falcon 9. However, with sanctions imposed on Russia and the availability of RD-180 engines for the Atlas V, Starliner remains primarily aligned with ULA rockets.

Future Outlook

While theoretically possible, launching Starliner on a Falcon 9 is unlikely due to the aforementioned constraints. The Starliner program is inherently linked to the Atlas V and Vulcan Centaur rockets, primarily because of design and contractual agreements. Although the Falcon 9 is a versatile and reliable launch vehicle, it does not align with the established mission profiles and performance requirements specified for Starliner.

In summary: While Falcon 9 is a highly capable launch vehicle, the Starliner program is intrinsically linked to the Atlas V due to design, contractual, and operational reasons. The inability to launch on Falcon 9 underscores the complexity and rigor involved in space program logistics and cooperation between competing entities.