In a groundbreaking achievement, Boeing has successfully launched its first crewed mission, joining SpaceX as a key provider of astronaut transport services for NASA. This historic event unfolded at Cape Canaveral, Florida, marking a pivotal moment in the realm of space exploration.
Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams embarked on their journey aboard Boeing's Starliner capsule, destined for the International Space Station (ISS). The mission is set to last approximately 25 hours, with the astronauts expected to dock at the ISS the following day. Their stay at the orbiting laboratory will extend over a week, culminating in a planned return to Earth with a landing in the western United States on June 14.
Prior to liftoff, Wilmore expressed his eagerness, exclaiming, "Let's get going!" As the spacecraft reached orbit, the crew initiated their pursuit of the space station, while launch controllers at Cape Canaveral celebrated the successful launch. This mission represents a significant milestone for Boeing, which has navigated numerous challenges leading up to this launch, including two aborted countdowns and various technical issues.
The Starliner program has faced delays due to initial spacecraft flaws. The first uncrewed test flight in 2019 required a repeat due to software issues, and subsequent tests uncovered parachute problems and the necessity to remove flammable tape from the capsule. Despite these setbacks, the crew remained confident in Boeing's capability to execute a successful mission.
Challenges and Triumphs
This launch marks the third attempt to send astronauts aboard the Starliner since early May, following rocket-related issues and a minor helium leak in the spacecraft's propulsion system. Steve Stich, NASA's commercial crew program manager, acknowledged the arduous journey to this point, highlighting the significance of overcoming these obstacles.
A decade ago, Boeing was contracted alongside SpaceX to transport NASA astronauts to the space station, following the retirement of the space shuttles. NASA invested $4.2 billion in Boeing and a lesser amount in SpaceX, which adapted its capsule for crewed missions. SpaceX achieved a milestone in 2020 by launching astronauts into orbit, a feat previously accomplished only by Russia, the U.S., and China.
The liftoff from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station also marked the 100th launch of an Atlas V rocket by United Launch Alliance. It was the first time astronauts flew on an Atlas rocket since John Glenn's historic Mercury flight over 60 years ago. The presence of a human crew added to the tension for NASA and Boeing personnel at both Cape Canaveral and Mission Control in Houston.
Future of Crewed Space Flights
Boeing's Starliner and SpaceX's Dragon capsules are designed to be fully autonomous and reusable, with manual controls available for the astronauts to test the systems. If this mission proves successful, NASA plans to alternate between SpaceX and Boeing for future crewed flights, starting next year. Backup pilot Mike Fincke is set to participate in Starliner's subsequent mission.
Mike Fincke, observing from Kennedy Space Center, expressed excitement about the launch, stating, "This is exciting. We built up to this moment for years and years, and it finally happened. I feel like the whole planet was cheering for them."