Overview

Space Shuttle: America's space shuttle is the world's only operational, reusable launch vehicle capable of supporting human space flight mission requirements. Boeing is the major subcontractor to NASA's space flight operations contractor, USA. As the original developer and manufacturer of the space shuttle orbiters, Boeing is responsible for orbiter engineering, major modification design, engineering support to operations, including launch, and overall shuttle systems and payload integration services. In addition, Boeing has supported development of upgrades to the shuttle fleet to ensure America safe, reliable and affordable human-rated space access.

International Space Station (ISS): As the prime contractor, Boeing is responsible for design, development, construction and integration of the ISS and assisting NASA in operating the orbital outpost. Boeing built all of the major U.S. elements. Boeing is also responsible for integrating the systems, procedures, and components of 16 participating countries in this worldwide enterprise. Today, Boeing performs much of the sustaining engineering for the ISS.

The ISS is the largest, most complex international scientific project in history and our largest adventure in space to date. When completed, it will be more than four times as large as the Russian Mir space station, about the size of a football field with the end zones. The finished, 927,316 pound structure will house an six-person astronaut crew, in about the size of a five bedroom home or the equivalent size of a Boeing 747 jumbo jet.

Research on the ISS directly supports the Vision for Space Exploration, with human life science experiments taking highest priority. The ISS also provides a testbed for new technologies and an analog for long duration human space flight operations.

Checkout, Assembly and Payload Processing Services (CAPPS): The Boeing Company holds NASA's CAPPS contract which provides payload processing for the space shuttle, ISS, expendable launch vehicles and other payload programs at Kennedy Space Center, Fla. Boeing employees provide technical, facilities and engineering support to ensure payload readiness for launch.

Constellation: As NASA defines the Constellation architecture and outlines technical solutions required for executing the Constellation program elements, Boeing is providing information and insights from our experience. Drawing on best practices from across Boeing defense and commercial aviation businesses, the company's participation in Constellation ensures a safe transition of the engineering experience and skills of the Space Shuttle and ISS programs combined with leading edge technologies and approaches.

Boeing's Constellation program supports NASA's implementation of a sustained and affordable human and robotic exploration program. The nearly 50-year partnership forged by NASA and Boeing has led to advancements in enabling technologies for robotics, satellites and human transportation systems. From autonomous maneuverable satellites to precision landing and hazard avoidance, Boeing continues to lead the aerospace industry in advancing the Vision for Space Exploration.

Within NASA's planned Constellation framework, Boeing will pursue the Ares I crew launch vehicle's Upper Stage and Instrument Unit elements as well as the Ares V cargo launch vehicle, the Earth Departure Stage (EDS) and the Lunar Surface Access Module (LSAM).

Exploration Launch Systems: The Exploration Launch Systems office, located in Huntsville, Ala., supports NASA on strategy and policy on Space Exploration programs procured by the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC). This office, established in April 2006, will lead the proposal capture and program execution teams for the Ares I and Ares V EDS and LSAM. Exploration Launch Systems also provides overall leadership and integration of programs and functions in Huntsville for Space Exploration.

Using Shuttle-derived elements such as a single solid rocket booster, Ares I will deliver a lunar Orion to low-inclination Earth orbits required by the exploration architectures and will also deliver Orions configured for crew and cargo transfer missions to the ISS. Also using Shuttle derived components, Ares V will lift heavy payloads (up to 125 metric tons) to meet lunar and Mars exploration cargo requirements. The EDS ignites sub-orbitally and delivers the LSAM to low-Earth orbit. After the crew spacecraft docks with this system, the EDS performs a trans-lunar injection burn, which starts the vehicle's journey to the moon. When the burn is completed, the EDS is discarded.

Transformation and Integration (T&I): Established in April 2006, T&I plans and directs Space Exploration business transformation from current programs (space shuttle, space station, and payload services) to transformational programs, including organizational infrastructure, to enable program integration among transitional programs (Ares I, Ares V, EDS, etc.) and transformational programs (future growth). T&I also leads an integrated Space Exploration people, process and tools architecture to ensure the transfer of best practices across all Space Exploration program teams and provides highest quality, lowest cost products for the customer. Specific responsibilities of the T&I function include assessment of resources, requirements planning, and alignment of intellectual capital with existing program requirements and future program needs. The T&I function also directs an overarching strategic approach for shuttle, ISS and payloads transition and long-term program integration and evolution, including integrated program and functional requirements across all programs and disciplines. T&I develops and executes evolutionary, strategic roadmaps charting the course to successfully sustain the shuttle program through ISS completion and on-going ISS activities, ensuring strategic capabilities growth in CAPPS while leveraging Space Exploration's unique experience to win new program opportunities.