Boeing is set to launch astronauts to the International Space Station for NASA after facing years of delays and setbacks. This will be the first crewed flight of Boeing’s Starliner capsule, with two NASA pilots on board for a weeklong stay at the space station. NASA turned to US companies for astronaut rides after the retirement of the space shuttles, with SpaceX completing nine trips for NASA since 2020 while Boeing has only done two uncrewed test flights. Boeing’s program manager Mark Nappi acknowledges the delays but emphasizes that they are ready for this important astronaut demo, scheduled for liftoff on Monday night.
The Starliner capsule is white with black and blue trim, standing at 10 feet tall and 15 feet in diameter. It can accommodate up to seven people, although NASA crews typically consist of four members. The astronauts for this mission, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, are retired Navy captains and veteran NASA astronauts who have spent time aboard the space station in the past. They have been involved in the development of the capsule and are confident in its readiness for this mission. They will be closely monitoring the spacecraft during the test flight to ensure its safety.
Starliner will launch on United Launch Alliance’s Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, marking the 100th launch of the Atlas V. The astronauts will reach the space station in approximately 26 hours after liftoff and will stay docked for eight days before landing in the American West. Compared to SpaceX’s Dragon capsule, Starliner has traditional hand controls and switches in addition to touchscreens, making it more reminiscent of NASA’s Orion capsules. Boeing aims to conduct six Starliner trips for NASA after this mission, with the possibility of offering a fifth seat to private clients in the future.
Boeing’s long-awaited crewed test flight for the Starliner capsule represents a significant milestone in NASA’s efforts to rely on commercial companies for astronaut transportation to the International Space Station. The success of this mission will determine the future of Boeing’s role in crewed spaceflight, with plans to continue servicing the space station until its planned end in 2030. Additionally, the competition between Boeing and SpaceX in the commercial crew program highlights the advancements in space travel technology and the potential for commercial space tourism in the future. Other companies, such as Sierra Space with its Dream Chaser mini shuttle, are also preparing to join the commercial space industry by delivering cargo and eventually passengers to the space station. NASA’s collaboration with commercial partners is shaping the future of space exploration and opening up new opportunities for both government and private entities in space travel.
