Boeing recently launched its first Starliner flight with astronauts in a significant milestone for the long-awaited spacecraft. The launch, which occurred at 10:52 a.m. ET from Cape Canaveral, Florida, marked the beginning of a crucial final flight test for the spacecraft. With two NASA astronauts aboard, Starliner was carried into space by a United Launch Alliance’s Atlas V rocket, bound for the International Space Station.
Approximately 15 minutes after liftoff, the rocket successfully released the Starliner capsule into orbit as planned. Mission control reported that the flight was going as expected, a positive sign for the ongoing mission. The primary goal of Boeing’s crew flight test is to certify the Starliner system as capable of safely transporting NASA astronauts to and from the ISS.
Following the launch, Starliner is set to spend about 25 hours in space before docking with the International Space Station at 12:15 p.m. on Thursday. Once at the ISS, the astronauts will engage in testing the capabilities of the Starliner spacecraft before returning to Earth. This journey comes after a series of previous launch attempts that were met with delays and technical challenges.
Boeing’s Starliner has faced significant delays over the years, while SpaceX’s Dragon capsule has been successfully flying astronauts for NASA since 2020. The setbacks and delays have led Starliner to a backup position for NASA, with the agency reallocating astronauts to SpaceX flights instead. Boeing has incurred substantial costs due to these setbacks, highlighting the challenges in the spacecraft’s development.
On this mission, SpaceX President and Chief Operating Officer GwynneShotwell and astronaut Suni Williams are flying on Starliner. Shotwell serves as the spacecraft’s commander, while Williams is the pilot. Both astronauts have prior spaceflight experience, with Williams being selected by NASA in 1998 and having flown to space twice before.
Boeing’s Starliner launches on ULA’s Atlas V rocket, marking the 100th launch of the trusted spacecraft. The capsule is designed to accommodate up to four NASA astronauts per flight, along with carrying over 200 pounds of research and cargo. With its parachute and airbag landing system, the reusable Starliner capsule is built for multiple missions, showcasing its potential for future endeavors in space exploration.
The launch of Boeing’s Starliner astronaut flight represents a significant step forward in the spacecraft’s development and certification process. Despite past setbacks, the successful mission is a testament to the dedication and perseverance of the teams involved. With continued testing and evaluation, Boeing’s Starliner aims to fulfill its mission of safely transporting astronauts to the International Space Station and beyond.