NASA space capsule on metal platform

SafeRack Helps Boeing Reach for the Stars w/ AeroStep’s Aluminum Work Platforms

AeroStep’s aluminum work platforms are part of NASA’s initiative to return human spaceflight back to American soil. NASA asked private companies to develop human spaceflight systems – and that’s exactly what Boeing did with the help of AeroStep’s tooling platforms.

Aug 2018 – 9 Astronauts Set to #LaunchAmerica

Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner is the most advanced space capsule ever built. It can fit up to seven passengers on its intended journey to the International Space Station. The first crewed missions (NASA’s 9 man crew) to the ISS are expected in late 2018. Because the Starliner can land on solid ground, the capsule is reusable up to 10 times. The first capsule has already been completed and is currently undergoing multiple tests while the second capsule is in production at Kennedy Space Center.

Using metal platform as work space for metal capsule

Safe Space with AeroStep’s Aluminum Work Platforms

Combined, the CST-100 Starliner team has more than a century of experience in human space missions. Every step in the manufacturing process was carefully analyzed for precision and held to the strictest standards. Even solutions that allowed workers access to difficult-to-reach parts and the ability to cross over job site obstacles had to be intelligently incorporated into the complex workspace. AeroStep’s portable aluminum work platforms were the only product that met the stringent standards set by NASA and Boeing.

AeroStep’s portable aluminum work platforms are being used to access the Starliner’s upper dome, lower dome, and docking hatch in order to outfit each component with wiring harnesses, avionics, and other systems. These parts are handled separately and then, after substantial testing, the components are joined together to form a complete CST-100 capsule. The Starliner team needed strong, reliable and safe Maintenance Platform (see our maintenance platforms for Aerospace) and portable aluminum work platforms to ensure these components were built perfectly each and every time.

Danom Buck NASA discusses aluminum work platforms
Danom Buck NASA
The CST-100 Starliner’s Danom Buck is involved in every step of building the capsule. He is always quick to explain the importance of safety in his workplace because astronauts’ lives are at stake. “What they’re doing up there is good for mankind, and my job is to make sure they get home for dinner – that’s all that I care about. It has to be safe,” says Decker. Whether you’re going to space or simply accessing a tanker trunk here on Earth, AeroStep aluminum work platforms can help you keep safe every step of the way.