Boeing Sends Inaugural Astronaut Crew to Space After Years of Delays
Boeing is on the verge of a significant milestone as it prepares to launch the first Starliner space capsule with a human crew into orbit next week. This mission presents a crucial opportunity for Boeing to regain momentum in the space industry, as it faces stiff competition from Elon Musk’s SpaceX.
The CST-100 Starliner test mission, which has been delayed for years and incurred significant cost overruns exceeding $1 billion, will transport two NASA astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS). This final demonstration is pivotal for the spacecraft to gain approval for routine space trips under NASA’s commercial crew program.
NASA has been supporting the development of privately built spacecraft, including Starliner, to transport astronauts to the ISS and, under the Artemis program, to destinations like the moon and Mars. The upcoming crewed flight of Starliner is deemed critical by NASA associate administrator Jim Free, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the safety of the crew members, Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore.
Williams and Wilmore bring extensive experience to the mission, with both having logged significant time in space over multiple missions. However, Starliner’s journey has been marred by setbacks, notably a failed, uncrewed mission to the ISS in 2019 due to software and engineering issues.
Despite the challenges, Boeing remains committed to developing Starliner, poised to fly six NASA astronaut missions once certified as safe. However, SpaceX’s Crew Dragon has secured more flights from NASA, underscoring the intensifying competition in the commercial space sector.
NASA has increased oversight of Starliner since the 2019 failure, emphasizing Boeing’s experience building and maintaining modules on the ISS as a confidence booster. The agency recognizes the importance of having multiple transportation options to the ISS and is exploring the private development of new space stations as potential successors to the ISS.
The launch of Starliner from Kennedy Space Center in Florida is scheduled for 10:34 p.m. ET on Monday, marking a significant step forward in Boeing’s efforts to establish itself as a key player in the commercial space industry.
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