Boeing Starliner Successfully Launches on Third Attempt
NASA's long-awaited Commercial Crew Program takes a major step forward
After 13 years of development, Boeing's Starliner spacecraft finally blasts off towards the International Space Station
On Thursday, May 19, 2023, a Boeing-built Starliner spacecraft carrying two NASA astronauts, Michael Fincke and Nicole Mann, soared towards space on a critical test flight to demonstrate its capabilities. The launch, named Starliner-1, marks a major milestone in NASA's Commercial Crew Program (CCP), which aims to utilize commercially developed spacecraft to transport astronauts to and from the International Space Station (ISS).
The Starliner-1 mission is a crucial step in Boeing's quest to gain human-rating certification from NASA. Previous attempts to launch the Starliner spacecraft in 2019 and 2021 were unsuccessful due to technical issues. The successful launch of Starliner-1 is a significant achievement for Boeing, and it paves the way for future crewed missions to the ISS.
The Starliner spacecraft is designed to carry up to four astronauts to the ISS and can remain docked for up to six months. It features a unique design that utilizes a reusable crew capsule and a service module that provides propulsion and power. The spacecraft is launched into space atop an Atlas V rocket, which is provided by the United Launch Alliance (ULA).
The Starliner-1 mission is scheduled to last for approximately eight days. During that time, the crew will conduct a series of tests to evaluate the spacecraft's systems and performance. They will also dock with the ISS and deliver supplies to the crew onboard.
The successful launch of the Starliner-1 mission is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Boeing and NASA teams. It is a major step forward for the CCP and will pave the way for increased access to the ISS and future human space exploration missions.
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