The first crewed flight test of Boeing's Starliner spacecraft has successfully launched and is on its way to the International Space Station.
NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams lifted off at 10:52 EDT (14:52 UTC) on 5 June 2024 and will dock later today, 6 June.
The mission is part of NASA's Boeing Crew Flight Test, under NASA's Commercial Crew Program, to check the transportation system, rocket and spacecraft, in-orbit and return procedures for Starliner's journey to the Space Station.
Starliner will autonomously dock with the Space Station at 12:15 EDT (16:15 UTC) today, 6 June, and remain at the ISS for around a week.
Astronauts Wilmore and Williams will check the spacecraft is performing as it should by testing the environmental control system, displays and controls and manoeuvring Starliner's thrusters.
Why the Starliner launch is a big deal
Up until around 2011, NASA astronauts had flown to the International Space Station using the Russian Soyuz rocket and spacecraft.
But now commercial US companies like Boeing and SpaceX are part of an ongoing initiative to retain launches on US soil.
Boeing's Starliner had previously flown two uncrewed orbital flights, including a test to and from the Space Station.
It had also performed a 'pad abort demonstration'.
This is its first crewed test and a major step in the Commercial Crew Programme.
NASA is currently preparing to certify the Starliner spacecraft for regular missions to and from the Space Station.
"Two bold NASA astronauts are well on their way on this historic first test flight of a brand-new spacecraft," says NASA Administrator Bill Nelson.
"Boeing’s Starliner marks a new chapter of American exploration. Human spaceflight is a daring task – but that’s why it’s worth doing. It’s an exciting time for NASA, our commercial partners, and the future of exploration. Go Starliner, Go Butch and Suni!"
"Flying crew on Starliner represents over a decade of work by the Commercial Crew Program and our partners at Boeing and ULA," says Steve Stich, manager, Commercial Crew Program, at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.
"For many of us, this is a career-defining moment bringing on a new crew transportation capability for our agency and our nation.
"We are going to take it one step at a time, putting Starliner through its paces, and remaining vigilant until Butch and Suni safely touch down back on Earth at the conclusion of this test flight."
Watch the Starliner docking
Upon arrival at the Space Station, Wilmore and Williams will join the Expedition 71 crew on the Space Station, which includes NASA astronauts Michael Barratt, Matt Dominick, Tracy C. Dyson, and Jeanette Epps, long with Russian Roscosmos cosmonauts Nikolai Chub, Alexander Grebenkin and Oleg Kononenko.
At 09:30 EDT (13:30 UTC), coverage of the Starliner docking with the Space Station will begin on NASA TV.
Targeted docking is planned for 12:15 EDT (16:15 UTC), with hatch-opening scheduled for 14:00 (18:00).
Coverage of the post-docking news conference will air live on NASA+.
You can watch the Starliner docking via the YouTube livestream below.
Did you watch the launch? Are you a fan of the Commercial Crew Programme? Let us know your thoughts by emailing us at contactus@skyatnightmagazine.com.
