In a significant milestone for space exploration, ground teams on Florida’s Space Coast have completed the assembly of Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft on top of its United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket. This crucial preparation paves the way for the upcoming test flight with two experienced NASA astronauts on board headed to the International Space Station.
The Starliner crew flight test, scheduled for next month, will be a historic moment as it will be the first time astronauts fly on Boeing’s Starliner crew capsule. Despite facing setbacks in development and budget overruns, Boeing’s Starliner is poised to offer a backup option to SpaceX’s Crew Dragon for missions to the space station.
NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are currently in the final stages of training for the test flight set to launch from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on May 6. Boeing technicians have already loaded propellant into the spacecraft’s maneuvering thrusters in preparation for launch.
The spacecraft for the Crew Flight Test mission includes a reusable crew module named Calypso, which previously flew on the program’s first unpiloted test flight in 2019. NASA and Boeing engineers are conducting thorough tests to ensure solid mechanical, electrical, and communication links between the spacecraft and launch vehicle.
Additionally, a SpaceX Cargo Dragon spacecraft is set to depart the space station to make way for Starliner’s arrival next month. NASA managers and Boeing officials are collaborating in reviews to formally clear the spacecraft for the Crew Flight Test, addressing any past technical challenges.
The Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel is closely monitoring the Starliner program to ensure that all necessary risk management and safety protocols are in place. NASA and Boeing are also preparing for potential contingencies and challenging flight situations during the test flight of the Starliner spacecraft. Stay tuned for more updates on this groundbreaking mission.
“Infuriatingly humble tv expert. Friendly student. Travel fanatic. Bacon fan. Unable to type with boxing gloves on.”