After two previous launch attempts were scrubbed, Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft successfully lifted off with astronauts on board for the first time. The launch took place at 10:52am EST on Wednesday June 5th from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
Starliner, a 15-foot-wide capsule, provides NASA with an additional option for flying crews to and from the International Space Station (ISS).
The spacecraft carries two experienced NASA astronauts: Commander Butch Wilmore and Pilot Suni Williams. They will dock with the ISS on Thursday at 12:15 a.m. and stay for a week.
Boeing faced numerous technical challenges and delays, including software testing issues, corroded propellant valves, flammable tape, and a weak parachute system component. Despite these setbacks and over $1.4 billion in unexpected charges, Boeing and NASA’s extensive work ensured Starliner was safe to fly.
According to NASA, its Commercial Crew Program is working with the American aerospace industry through a public-private partnership to launch astronauts on American rockets and spacecraft from American soil. The goal of the program is to provide safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation on space station missions, which will allow for additional research time.
Watch the launch that was streamed live on NASA’s YouTube page (fast forward to 4:10:05 to see the launch):
Some more photos of the launch are below. Photos: Video screen capture of NASA YouTube page launch.
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