PREVIEW

NASA Launches Long-Delayed First Crewed Boeing Starliner Mission. NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams were launched safely into orbit on the first crewed flight test aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft bound for the International Space Station. They blasted off to commence the long-delayed launch at 10:52 a.m. EDT on Wednesday 5 June 2024 on a ULA (United Launch Alliance) Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. “Two bold NASA astronauts are well on their way on this historic first test flight of a brand-new spacecraft,” said 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.” The flight test will help validate the transportation system, launch pad, rocket, spacecraft, in-orbit operations capabilities, and return to Earth with astronauts aboard as the agency prepares to certify Starliner for rotational missions to the space station. Starliner previously flew two uncrewed orbital flights, including a test to and from the space station, along with a pad abort demonstration. After a safe arrival, Wilmore and Williams will join the Expedition 71 crew of astronauts aboard the International Space Station.