Boeing and Samsung are partnering to incorporate mobile technology into the new Crew Space Transportation (CST) 100 spacecraft, developed by Boeing as part of Nasa’s Commercial Crew Program.

The two companies have entered into an agreement at the 30th Space Symposium to begin identifying ways to use mobile technology to improve CST-100 crew and mission operations.

The initial results of these tests are expected to be outlined later in 2014.

"Like any other person doing his or her work, an astronaut values connectivity and the ability to share experiences."

Boeing Commercial Crew Program crew and mission system director Chris Ferguson said mobile tools and devices will enhance day-to-day operations in space, just as they have done on Earth, improving efficiency.

"Like any other person doing his or her work, an astronaut values connectivity and the ability to share experiences," Ferguson said.

The CST-100 can transport up to seven crew members or a mix of crew and cargo to low-Earth-orbit destinations such as the International Space Station and a planned Bigelow station.

The spacecraft features new weld-less design and a pressurised vessel which can be reused up to ten times, along with Boeing’s LED ‘Sky Lighting’.

Boeing Defense, Space & Security, a unit of The Boeing Company, has unveiled a new commercial interior of CST-100 next-generation manned capsule for non-government space travellers.

The new version of CST-100 allows people other than Nasa astronauts to travel into space in future, the company said.

Defence Technology