Boeing Starliner Makes Historic Launch with NASA Astronauts Aboard

A Decade in the Making: Boeing's Starliner Soars to Space

After years of setbacks and delays, Boeing's Crew Space Transportation (CST-100) Starliner spacecraft has finally launched into orbit with two NASA astronauts aboard. The spacecraft lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on Thursday, May 5, 2022, on a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket.

Third Time's a Charm: Starliner Prepares for Rendezvous with Space Station

This launch marks the third attempt for Starliner to reach the International Space Station (ISS). The spacecraft was previously grounded in 2019 due to software issues and again in 2021 after valve problems were discovered. Boeing has since made significant modifications to the spacecraft to address these issues.

If this mission is successful, Starliner will become the second commercial spacecraft to ferry astronauts to and from the ISS, joining SpaceX's Crew Dragon. The Starliner is scheduled to dock with the ISS on Saturday, May 7, 2022, and the astronauts will remain on board for about eight days.

This mission is a critical test flight for Boeing and NASA. If successful, it will pave the way for Starliner to begin regular operational missions to the ISS. The spacecraft is designed to carry up to seven astronauts and will provide a backup to SpaceX's Crew Dragon in case of emergencies.