Boeing’s Starliner is set to launch a pair of NASA astronauts to the International Space Station on Wednesday, following a scrubbed mission on Saturday due to a computer issue. The launch is a significant milestone for Boeing as it competes with SpaceX in the space industry. The launch is scheduled for 10:52 a.m. EDT from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, and will be live streamed by both Boeing and NASA.
The Saturday launch was aborted with less than four minutes to go due to a ground launch sequencer issue, which triggered an automatic halt. After identifying and replacing a faulty ground power unit, Boeing and NASA confirmed that all hardware is now performing normally. The ULA team worked to solve the problem to ensure a successful launch on Wednesday. The launch can also be viewed in person from various locations in Florida, with specific viewing areas listed by Boeing.
NASA reports a 90% chance of favorable weather conditions for the launch on Wednesday, with cumulus clouds being the primary concern. If the launch is not successful on Wednesday, there is a backup opportunity on Thursday. Boeing has a lot at stake with Starliner, as the aeronautics giant aims to provide a reliable means of transporting astronauts to and from the ISS. Boeing has faced numerous setbacks and cost overruns in the development of Starliner, but hopes to demonstrate its capabilities with this launch.
In competition with SpaceX, Boeing’s Starliner launch coincides with SpaceX’s planned launch of its massive Starship rocket on Thursday. SpaceX has already launched multiple crews to the ISS, while Boeing has yet to complete a crewed mission. Boeing will fly at most six more missions to the ISS for NASA, as the agency plans to retire the station in 2030. The first launch of Starliner will carry two NASA astronauts for a week-long mission to test the craft and certify it for regular missions.
The launch of Boeing’s Starliner and SpaceX’s Starship rockets highlight the competition between the two companies in the space industry. Despite setbacks and failures, SpaceX has been successful in its previous Starship missions and aims to demonstrate the rocket’s reusability on its upcoming launch. Both launches will be live streamed, allowing viewers to witness the latest developments in the commercial space sector.
