CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – After facing setbacks and delays, Boeing’s Starliner capsule successfully launched from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, carrying two NASA astronauts. This marked the first time the capsule, powered by an Atlas V rocket, carried humans to space, with a mission to reach the International Space Station.
The crew, comprised of astronauts Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Sunita “Suni” Williams, embarked on a day-long journey to the space station. The launch followed two previous attempts that were halted due to technical issues, with this third try proving to be successful.
Issues with flight computers and a helium leak in the propulsion system had previously delayed the mission. However, after thorough inspections and necessary adjustments, NASA and Boeing gave the green light for the launch, setting the stage for Wilmore and Williams to put the Starliner through its paces.
Boeing’s commercial space ventures have faced challenges compared to its counterpart, SpaceX. While SpaceX has completed numerous missions for NASA, Boeing has encountered setbacks, including a failed mission in 2019. Despite past issues with Starliner’s systems, NASA approved the crewed mission following necessary fixes and safety checks.
The astronauts are set to test various systems aboard the Starliner as they approach the space station. Once docked, they will spend about a week conducting experiments and tasks before their return to Earth. NASA plans to alternate astronaut flights between Boeing and SpaceX, aiming for regular trips to the International Space Station.
Following a successful launch, Boeing’s Starliner is now on its way to proving its capabilities for future NASA missions, paving the way for continued collaboration in space exploration. The ongoing partnership between Boeing and SpaceX reflects NASA’s commitment to reliable and efficient transportation to and from the International Space Station.