📷 Image Credits: Firstpost
Boeing’s Starliner capsule successfully lifted off from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, carrying two NASA astronauts, on a journey to the International Space Station. The mission marks a significant milestone in space exploration as the crew embarks on a day-long trip to the space station.
The Starliner capsule, powered by an Atlas V rocket made by United Launch Alliance, reached orbit about twelve minutes after liftoff. The crew, consisting of astronauts Barry ‘Butch’ Wilmore and Sunita ‘Suni’ Williams, are set to arrive at the International Space Station around 12:15 p.m. ET on Thursday.
This mission comes after years of delays and is billions of dollars over budget, making it a crucial test flight for Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. After several setbacks, including issues with flight computers, a misbehaving valve, and a helium leak, the successful launch of Starliner is a testament to the dedication and perseverance of the team.
NASA’s partnership with commercial companies like Boeing and SpaceX has revolutionized human spaceflight, providing safe and reliable transportation to and from the space station. While SpaceX has already completed multiple missions, Boeing’s Starliner is now on track to join the fleet of spacecraft ferrying astronauts to space.
During the mission, Wilmore and Williams will test various systems on the Starliner, including life support and communication capabilities. The crew will spend about a week at the space station, conducting essential experiments and tests before returning to Earth.
NASA’s certification of the Starliner spacecraft for operational missions will expand the United States’ options for reaching the International Space Station, further advancing human exploration in space. The successful docking of Boeing’s Starliner at the space station marks another leap forward in the journey to the stars.
