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Boeing Set to Launch First Starliner Astronaut Mission for NASA
After numerous delays, Boeing is preparing to launch its inaugural Starliner astronaut mission for NASA on May 6, sending Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Sunita “Suni” Williams on a test flight to the International Space Station. The mission, known as Crew Flight Test (CFT), aims to validate the capabilities of Boeing’s spacecraft.
Launch Details
The launch is scheduled for Monday, May 6 at 10:34 p.m. EDT (0234 May 7 GMT) from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Weather conditions are favorable, with a 95% chance of good weather at launch time. In case of any issues, Boeing has backup launch opportunities on May 7, May 10, and May 11.
If successful, the Starliner will dock at the ISS on Wednesday, May 8 and return to Earth after a week-long mission. This flight marks a significant milestone for Boeing, as it positions the company as one of two commercial providers for NASA’s crewed missions to the space station.
How to Watch the Launch
For those eager to witness the historic launch, NASA will live stream the event on May 6 starting at 6:30 p.m. EDT (2230 GMT) on their official channels. Additionally, Boeing will provide its own webcast of the launch through its Starliner website. United Launch Alliance (ULA) will also have a dedicated webcast.
Following the launch, NASA will hold a press conference on Tuesday, May 7 at 12 a.m. EDT (0400 GMT) to discuss the outcome of the mission. Livestream events are planned for the docking and crew arrival on Wednesday, May 8.
Contingency Plans
In the event that the launch on May 6 is not possible, Boeing and ULA have alternate dates set for May 7, May 10, and May 11. If needed, the next launch attempt could take place on May 7 at 10:11 p.m. EDT (0211 GMT). Subsequent opportunities are available on May 10 at 9 p.m. EDT (0100 May 11 GMT) and May 11 at 8:38 p.m. EDT (1238 GMT).
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