Boeing’s Starliner Cleared for Historic Astronaut Launch
Boeing and NASA officials have greenlit the first-ever crewed mission of the new Starliner spacecraft, set to launch on Monday, May 6. Veteran NASA astronauts Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Suni Williams will helm the mission, known as Crew Flight Test (CFT), to the International Space Station (ISS).
Preparations and Liftoff Schedule
The astronauts are currently undergoing final training and quarantine at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center ahead of the historic liftoff. Scheduled for Monday at 10:34 p.m. EDT, the launch will take place from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station’s Space Launch Complex 41, with live coverage available on Space.com and NASA Television.
Launch Readiness Confirmed
During a press conference, Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, announced that the launch readiness review unanimously confirmed the mission’s readiness to proceed.
Historic Milestones
CFT marks not only Starliner’s inaugural crewed mission but also the first time United Launch Alliance’s (ULA) Atlas V rocket carries astronauts. Pending a successful mission, Boeing will join SpaceX in conducting operational crewed missions to the ISS, following their commercial crew contracts with NASA in 2014.
Challenges and Progress
Despite delays caused by technical issues, including a failed uncrewed flight in 2019, Starliner’s second uncrewed test flight in May 2022 proved successful. Critical issues uncovered during the flight readiness review, such as parachute and wiring concerns, have been addressed, paving the way for CFT.
Final Preparations
Following a flight readiness review last week, teams addressed identified issues, including valve replacement and contingency planning for reentry scenarios. With these tasks completed satisfactorily, Stich confirmed the spacecraft’s readiness for launch.
