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AIRBAG LANDING
Starliner Airbags
Mass
450 kg
Dimensions
6 airbags beneath heat shield
Material
Vectran fabric airbags, nitrogen inflation system
First Use
Dec 20, 2019
Usage Statistics
3
Successful Uses
100%
Success Rate
How It Works
After parachute deceleration, the base heat shield jettisons and six Vectran fabric airbags rapidly inflate using compressed nitrogen. The bags absorb landing impact energy and provide a stable, upright attitude on the ground.
Key Specifications
Number of bags6
Inflation gasCompressed nitrogen
Landing speed~5 m/s
Landing siteWhite Sands, NM / Dugway, UT
Compatible Vehicles
CST-100 Starliner
Details
The Boeing CST-100 Starliner uses an airbag landing system for touchdown on land in the western United States. Six airbags inflate beneath the capsule’s base heat shield just before ground contact, cushioning the crew from landing loads. This system enables Starliner to land on solid ground rather than water, simplifying post-landing crew extraction.
External Links
