Recent CST-100 Starliner testing proved the spacecraft will come to a safe stop when it lands on land.
Testing to the extreme using test dummies, seat drop tests proved the systems will effectively cushion the passenger’s head, neck and spine upon landing. Engineers performed 30 drop tests from various heights and seat orientations. Parachutes and an airbag system will initially slow Starliner when it re-enters Earth’s atmosphere. Starliner is being developed in partnership with NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. It will take astronauts and cargo to and from the International Space Station. The first launch is slated for next year.