Boeing Starliner Prepares for Historic Crewed Launch

Countdown Underway for May 6 Mission

Two NASA Astronauts to Embark on Test Flight

The Boeing Starliner spacecraft is set to embark on its first-ever crewed launch on May 6, 2022. Two NASA astronauts, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, have been cleared for the historic flight, which will mark a significant milestone in the development of Boeing's commercial crew program.

The mission, known as Starliner-1, will carry the two astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) for a six-month stay. The launch is scheduled to take place no earlier than 6:30 pm MST on May 6 from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.

The Starliner spacecraft has undergone extensive testing and modifications since its unsuccessful uncrewed test flight in 2019. The latest issue, a problem with a valve on the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, has been resolved, clearing the way for the crewed launch.

The Starliner-1 mission will also be a key step in NASA's Commercial Crew Program, which aims to develop and certify commercial spacecraft to transport astronauts to and from the ISS. The successful launch and operation of the Starliner will provide NASA with another option for crew transportation, reducing its reliance on Russian Soyuz spacecraft.