Wednesday, June 5, 2024 On Wednesday, Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner spacecraft embarked on its inaugural crewed test flight, signifying a critical step forward in the company’s bid to solidify its position within the commercial spaceflight sector and compete directly with SpaceX. The Starliner, carrying veteran NASA astronauts Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams, launched from Cape Canaveral atop an Atlas V rocket. This mission marks the capsule’s first endeavor with a crew on board, following a prior uncrewed test flight in 2022.
Following a 24-hour orbital ascent, the Starliner is scheduled to rendezvous and dock with the International Space Station (ISS). This docking maneuver serves as another crucial test for the spacecraft, with a return trip to Earth slated for approximately one week after arrival at the ISS. The Starliner program aspires to establish itself as a viable competitor to SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule, which has served as NASA’s sole provider for crewed missions to the ISS since 2020.
Wednesday’s launch follows the cancellation of two prior attempts due to technical issues. However, this most recent launch proceeded flawlessly, with the Starliner achieving a successful ascent into orbit. The astronaut team comprises highly experienced NASA personnel, Wilmore and Williams, who collectively boast over 500 days spent in space.
The success of their mission holds significant weight for Boeing’s Starliner program, which has encountered delays and budgetar.