Update:
Around two hours before the launch, the mission was scrubbed due to a problematic valve on the rocket. Another attempt may be made tomorrow if proper repairs/adjustments can be made and weather permitting.
Original Story:
After years of development and setbacks, Boeing is ready to launch its Starliner capsule into space, carrying two NASA astronauts inside it for a full flight test. This will be the first time the capsule is put to the test with a crewed mission, and assuming all checkpoints are covered, will provide an additional option alongside SpaceX for getting crew to and from the International Space Station (ISS).
The capsule is loaded on top of the ULA (United Launch Alliance) Atlas V rocket and is targeting a 10:34 P.M. EDT (7:34 P.M. PST) launch window tonight (Monday, May 6th). As long as weather and any other variables permit a smooth scenario for launch, it will be a moment of history for the company as it tests a full end-to-end scenario. This includes testing manual control of the craft, reaching the ISS, docking to it, and then returning to Earth via parachutes (along with a series of other tests). Upon docking to the ISS, the two will remain there for a week before making the return.
Aboard the Starliner will be NASA astronauts, Butch Wilmore (flight commander), and Suni Williams (pilot). It will be launching from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, and the capsule is set to land somewhere in the western United States.
Again, if Boeing pulls this off without a hitch, it (and ULA) will be on a fast track toward becoming another method of getting crew and supplies to and from the space station. Not to mention the other potential uses in the future as the program expands to cover new opportunities.
The entire event can be watched live via the below video, hosted on NASA’s YouTube channel.
