CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA, Boeing, and the United Launch Alliance have announced a new launch date for the Starliner Crew Flight Test following a recent delay. The Boeing Starliner spaceship is now set to launch at 10:52 a.m. on Wednesday, June 5, with NASA astronauts Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Suni Williams on board for its journey to the International Space Station and back.
The previous launch attempt on May 31 was postponed due to the failure of some ground support equipment just minutes before liftoff. Following intensive overnight work, the United Launch Alliance was able to identify and rectify the issue, replacing a faulty power supply system in their ground operations computers. Subsequent functionality checks confirmed that the system is now operating as expected.
With a new launch window now scheduled, the upcoming attempt on June 5 boasts a 90% chance of favorable weather conditions, as forecasted by the U.S. Space Force’s 45th Weather Squadron. In the event of any unforeseen issues, an alternative launch opportunity is also available at 10:29 a.m. on Thursday, June 6.
The Starliner Crew Flight Test is a significant milestone in NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, aiming to collaborate with private companies like Boeing to transport astronauts to and from the International Space Station. This mission will provide valuable data and insights to ensure the safety and efficiency of future crewed spaceflights.
The successful completion of the Starliner crewed test flight will mark a significant advancement in NASA’s efforts to restore the capability of launching astronauts from American soil. By partnering with commercial entities, NASA is expanding opportunities for human space exploration while fostering innovation and competition in the space industry.
As excitement builds for the upcoming launch, all eyes are on the collaborative efforts of NASA, Boeing, and the United Launch Alliance to achieve a successful mission and pave the way for future crewed space missions. The dedication and expertise of the teams involved highlight the ongoing commitment to pushing the boundaries of space exploration.