NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are now in orbit aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, heading to the International Space Station (ISS). This is the first crewed flight test for Starliner, launched on an Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
The mission will test Starliner’s systems and capabilities over a week-long stay at the ISS. The astronauts will verify the spacecraft’s performance, including the environmental control system and thrusters.
Boeing’s mission control in Houston is monitoring the spacecraft’s automatic manoeuvres, while NASA teams at Johnson Space Center oversee the space station operations.
Starliner Success After Years of Delays
Starliner’s journey has not been smooth. It faced numerous delays and technical issues, including a helium leak and software errors in previous uncrewed tests. However, this successful launch is a significant step for Boeing, which aims to join SpaceX in providing NASA with routine astronaut transport to the ISS.
“When the going gets tough — and it often does — the tough get going,” said Wilmore before liftoff.
If this mission succeeds, it will validate Starliner for future crewed missions, potentially starting next year. This success would provide NASA with a second option for astronaut transport, enhancing the agency’s operational flexibility.
The spacecraft is scheduled to dock with the ISS on Thursday and return to Earth late next week.
