Boeing Starliner Set to Launch Astronauts in Space After Years of Delays

By Madz Dizon

May 05, 2024 09:52 PM EDT

Boeing Starliner Set to Launch Astronauts in Space After Years of Delays — A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket with Boeing's CST-100 Starliner spacecraft aboard is seen illuminated by spotlights on the launch pad at Space Launch Complex 41 ahead of the NASA's Boeing Crew Flight Test on May 4, 2024 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. NASA's Boeing Crew Flight Test is the first launch with astronauts of the Boeing CFT-100 spacecraft and United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket to the International Space Station as part of the agency's Commercial Crew Program.
(Photo : Joel Kowsky/NASA via Getty Images)

After years of setbacks and challenges, Boeing is now on the verge of sending astronauts to the International Space Station for NASA.

Boeing's Starliner Makes First Crewed Flight

This marks the first flight of Boeing's Starliner capsule with a crew on board.

According to PIX11 a duo of NASA pilots will meticulously evaluate the spacecraft's performance during the test drive and their weeklong vacation at the space station.

The flight plan outlines that NASA astronauts Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams will extensively test the docked Starliner capsule for at least eight days.

If all goes according to plan, they are expected to return to Earth by May 15. In contrast to SpaceX's capsule, which lands in water, Starliner utilizes a different approach.

It employs large air bags to facilitate a touchdown on land, specifically in one of four potential locations in the Southwest.

This method is reminiscent of the long-standing practice employed by the Russian space program. Edwards Air Force Base in Kern County serves as a contingency landing zone.

NASA sought assistance from American companies to transport astronauts following the space shuttles' retirement.

SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, has completed nine successful trips for NASA since 2020, while Boeing has only conducted two unoccupied test flights.

The company's highly anticipated astronaut demo is scheduled for liftoff Monday night.

If this tryout is successful, NASA will rotate between Boeing and SpaceX to transport astronauts to and from the space station.

Boeing's Starliner Crew Launch Delayed by Parachute, Tape Issue

The Seattle Times reported that last summer, Boeing's Starliner capsule was set to launch with a crew. However, an issue was found with its parachute system and the use of flammable tape in the craft.

As a result, a significant amount of tape had to be removed, spanning a mile in length. It was yet another delay in a series of setbacks.

The Starliner, with crew members securely strapped in, is scheduled to launch at 10:34 p.m. Eastern time from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.

If the weather doesn't cooperate or other minor issues arise, the flight may be rescheduled for the following day or later in the week.