Boeing has been working on a new spacecraft called the Starliner. They’ve been trying to get it ready for its very first test flight with astronauts on board, but it’s been delayed a bunch of times. This is a really important moment for Boeing because they’re trying to compete with another company called SpaceX, run by Elon Musk, in sending astronauts into space.
The Starliner is all set to go with two astronauts inside. They’re planning to launch it from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 12:25 p.m. ET (1625 GMT) on Saturday. To get it into space, they’re using a big rocket called Atlas V, which is a joint project between Boeing and another company called Lockheed Martin.
They had some problems during a previous attempt to launch on May 6. There was something wrong with a valve in the rocket, and there were issues with the Starliner’s engine system. But Boeing and NASA say they’ve fixed all those problems now, so hopefully, everything will go smoothly this time.
Boeing’s Starliner First Crewed Space Mission
Boeing is all set to launch its new Starliner astronaut capsule on Saturday after numerous delays. This launch marks an important step for Boeing as it aims to compete with SpaceX in the astronaut launch business.
The Starliner, carrying two astronauts, will take off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 12:25 p.m. ET, riding on an Atlas V rocket from the joint venture between Boeing and Lockheed Martin, called United Launch Alliance.
The previous attempt on May 6 was postponed just two hours before liftoff due to a faulty pressure valve on the Atlas rocket, followed by a helium leak and another issue in the Starliner’s propulsion system. Boeing and NASA have since resolved these issues.
The capsule, shaped like a gumdrop, along with its crew, will travel to the International Space Station, marking its first crewed mission two years after its initial test voyage without astronauts.
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Boeing’s Space Ambitions
Boeing, known for its commercial airplanes, has faced challenges with its 737 MAX jets. To offset this, it’s banking on success in space with its Starliner project. However, Starliner has faced delays and budget overruns, costing over $1.5 billion.
Despite Boeing’s experience as a NASA contractor for the International Space Station (ISS) and moon missions, building its own spacecraft has proven difficult due to software problems, technical issues, and changes in management.
Boeing’s Starliner Set to Challenge SpaceX’s Crew Dragon
Boeing is gearing up to challenge SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule. While SpaceX has excelled, becoming a reliable ride to space for NASA, Boeing is entering the arena with its Starliner spacecraft. NASA is supporting privately built spacecraft for ferrying astronauts to low-Earth orbit, the moon, and eventually Mars.
Starliner will directly compete with SpaceX’s Crew Dragon, which has been NASA’s go-to vehicle for sending astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) from U.S. soil since 2020. NASA has been seeking multiple U.S. options for reaching the station, alongside its joint missions with Russia’s Soyuz rocket.
The first crew onboard Starliner includes two seasoned NASA astronauts: Barry “Butch” Wilmore, a retired U.S. Navy captain and fighter pilot, and Sunita “Suni” Williams, a former Navy helicopter test pilot. Together, they’ve accumulated 500 days in space across two ISS missions each. Wilmore will lead the upcoming flight, with Williams as the pilot.
Although Starliner is capable of autonomous flight, the crew can take manual control if needed. During this test flight, Wilmore and Williams will practice manual maneuvers while en route to the space station. The spacecraft will dock there for at least eight days before returning to Earth.
What If Boeing Delays Its Saturday Launch Attempt?
If Boeing’s planned launch on Saturday gets postponed, they have alternative days on Sunday, Wednesday, and Thursday for the launch. However, if Thursday doesn’t work out, they may need to replace or refill some components on both the Starliner and the rocket. This could lead to delays of weeks or even months due to scheduling conflicts with other ULA missions and the International Space Station (ISS).
This Saturday’s launch is significant as it marks the first crewed voyage to space using an Atlas rocket since the early days of the Mercury program in the 1960s when it carried astronauts like John Glenn into orbit.
Assuming everything goes smoothly, the capsule will reach the space station after about 26 hours of flight and connect with the research outpost, which orbits around 250 miles (400 km) above Earth.
Following their arrival, Wilmore and Williams are expected to spend about a week at the space station before returning to Earth. They’ll land in the U.S. Desert Southwest using parachutes and airbags, making it the first time a crewed NASA mission has landed this way.
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Boeing’s Starliner First Crewed Space Mission FAQs
Q.1. What is Boeing’s Starliner?
Ans. Boeing’s Starliner is a spacecraft designed to transport astronauts to and from destinations like the International Space Station (ISS).
Q.2. When is the launch scheduled?
Ans. The launch is scheduled for Saturday at 12:25 p.m. ET from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Q.3. Who are the astronauts on board?
Ans. The crew includes NASA astronauts Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Sunita “Suni” Williams.
Q.4. What rocket is used for the launch?
Ans. The Starliner will launch atop an Atlas V rocket, a joint venture between Boeing and Lockheed Martin.
Q.5. What happens if the launch is delayed?
Ans. If postponed, backup launch opportunities are available on Sunday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Delays could occur due to technical issues or scheduling conflicts.
