Boeing Starliner Crew Flight Test Lifts Off After Third Attempt
The much-anticipated Boeing Starliner Crew Flight Test has finally reached orbit after a successful liftoff on Wednesday, June 5th.
This marks the first crewed mission for the Starliner spacecraft and a significant milestone for NASA's Commercial Crew Program.
Boeing Starliner Crew Flight Test Overcomes Launch Delays
The Boeing Starliner Crew Flight Test wasn't without its challenges. The launch attempt on June 5th came after two previous scrubs – one on May 6th due to an oxygen pressure relief valve issue and another on June 1st caused by a ground launch sequencer problem.
ULA Launches NASA’s Boeing Starliner Crew Flight Test https://t.co/tjj0FC2LUf
— Chris Bergin - NSF (@NASASpaceflight) June 5, 2024
Source: Twitter/Chris Bergin
However, the team at United Launch Alliance (ULA) successfully resolved the launchpad computer issue on June 2nd, paving the way for a successful liftoff on the third attempt.
Boeing Starliner Crew Flight Test Begins Historic Journey
The Atlas 5 rocket carrying the Starliner spacecraft lifted off from pad 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 10:52 AM EDT, marking the beginning of a mission that will see NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams spend over a week in space.
After a flawless liftoff, the spacecraft completed its orbital insertion burn approximately 31 minutes into the flight, followed by an additional burn to fine-tune its orbit.
Excitement Builds as Boeing Starliner Crew Flight Test Nears Space Station Docking
With successful orbital burns complete, the two-person crew is on track to dock with the International Space Station (ISS) at around 12:15 PM EDT on June 6th.
If all goes according to plan, the mission will conclude with a landing in White Sands, New Mexico on June 14th.
Boeing Starliner Crew Flight Test Represents Major Step Forward for Commercial Crew Program
The Boeing Starliner Crew Flight Test signifies a critical step forward for NASA's Commercial Crew Program. This program, established in 2010, aims to partner with private companies to transport astronauts to and from the ISS, reducing reliance on Russian vehicles.
With SpaceX's Crew Dragon already conducting regular crewed missions, the successful launch of the Starliner provides NASA with another reliable option for crew transportation.
This achievement comes after years of delays for Boeing's Starliner program, which has faced various technical hurdles. However, with the successful completion of these initial milestones, the Boeing Starliner Crew Flight Test paves the way for the spacecraft's certification for regular crew rotation missions to the ISS, potentially beginning as early as spring 2025.
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