Starliner's Launch Campaign Kicks Off
Countdown to Liftoff for Astronaut Mission
Boeing and NASA are gearing up for the first-ever Starliner astronaut mission, a critical test flight scheduled to launch as early as May 6, 2024.
The launch campaign begins 45 days prior to liftoff, with United Launch Alliance (ULA) stacking an Atlas V rocket at Space Launch Complex 41. The Starliner spacecraft will then be mounted atop the rocket, setting the stage for its historic journey.
This mission is a crucial milestone for Boeing, as it seeks to demonstrate the reliability and safety of its Starliner spacecraft. The company has faced setbacks in the past, including a failed unmanned test flight in 2022. However, Boeing is confident that the spacecraft is now ready for a crewed mission.
Target Launch Date
The launch is targeted for 12:25 p.m. EDT on May 6, 2024, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
If successful, the Starliner mission will mark a significant step forward for commercial spaceflight. It will also pave the way for future missions to the International Space Station and beyond.
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