Boeing Successfully Launches First Crewed Starliner Mission to ISS

Boeing's Starliner capsule has successfully launched its first astronauts to the International Space Station, overcoming years of setbacks and delays.

On Wednesday, Boeing successfully launched its first astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard the Starliner capsule. This marks a significant milestone for Boeing, as it joins a select group of spacecraft capable of carrying humans beyond Earth.

Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams, both experienced with two previous spaceflights each, lifted off at 10:52 am (1452 GMT) from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. They are set for a roughly one-week stay on the ISS. The launch was the third attempt, after two previous bids were aborted due to technical issues.

Before liftoff, Commander Butch Wilmore expressed their excitement, saying, “Sunita and I are honored to share this dream of spaceflight with each and every one of you. Let’s put some fire in this rocket, and let’s push it to the heavens.”

The Starliner is now the sixth US-built spaceship to fly NASA astronauts, following the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs, the Space Shuttle, and SpaceX’s Crew Dragon. The program faced numerous delays and safety concerns, making this successful mission a crucial step for Boeing.

Both Boeing and SpaceX received multibillion-dollar contracts from NASA in 2014 to develop crew capsules following the end of the Space Shuttle program. This left the US reliant on Russian rockets for space travel. Despite Boeing’s long history, their program experienced significant delays and setbacks, such as a software bug during the first uncrewed test and flammable tape found in the cabin after the second.

The first crewed launch attempt was halted due to a valve issue on the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket. The second attempt was stopped just minutes before liftoff due to a power supply issue with the ground launch computer. Both issues were resolved, allowing Wednesday’s successful launch.

During their mission, Wilmore and Williams will thoroughly test the Starliner, including manual control and safety evaluations. They will also simulate using the spacecraft as a safe haven in case of emergencies on the ISS. After their stay, Starliner will re-enter the atmosphere, slowing down from 17,500 miles per hour to a gentle landing with parachute and airbag assistance in the western United States.

This mission is a critical step for NASA, which aims to certify Boeing as a second commercial operator to ferry crews to the ISS alongside SpaceX. This would end a challenging period for Boeing, marked by safety concerns and delays, and establish them as a reliable partner in space exploration once more.