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NASA’s Historic Launch of Boeing Spacecraft
Two prominent NASA astronauts are soon to carve their names into the annals of history as they prepare to be the first to venture into space aboard a Boeing spacecraft. The distinguished Commander Barry “Butch” Wilmore and pilot Suni Williams are primed for launch to the International Space Station (ISS) on May 6, marking the inaugural Crew Flight Test (CFT) of Boeing’s cutting-edge Starliner capsule. The mission is set to witness Starliner soar into the heavens atop a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida at 10:34 p.m. EST on May 6 (0234 GMT on May 7).
Embarking on a ten-day celestial journey aboard the orbiting lab, the duo will grace Earth’s atmosphere again as the crewed Starliner capsule executes a parachute and airbag-assisted landing in the southwestern reaches of the United States. Should all unfold as meticulously planned, this inaugural crew flight test will pave the way for future deployments of the Starliner capsule, designed to ferry four astronauts or a blend of crew and cargo, for crew rotation missions to the ISS.
Preparation for Historic Mission
The astronauts recently concluded a comprehensive launch-day dress rehearsal on Friday, April 26, as noted in a statement from NASA. With the dress rehearsal behind them, the next week will be dedicated to refining last-minute preparations and engaging in crucial training exercises to optimize readiness for the extraordinary voyage ahead.
Meet the Trailblazing Astronauts
Commander Barry “Butch” Wilmore:
Barry “Butch” Wilmore will lead as the commander for Boeing’s inaugural Starliner CFT mission. Wilmore, a distinguished 61-year-old U.S. Navy Captain, entered NASA’s ranks as an astronaut candidate back in 2000. With a total of 178 days spent in space and 5 hours and 36 minutes logged in four spacewalks, Wilmore brings a wealth of expertise to this historic flight.
Hailing from Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, Wilmore remains deeply connected to his roots, with his parents residing in his hometown to this day. Married to Deanna Newport, Wilmore shares a blissful family life with two daughters. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Tennessee Technological University, in addition to a Master of Science degree in Aviation Systems from the University of Tennessee.
Before joining NASA, Wilmore thrived as a fleet Naval officer and aviator, completing four operational deployments aboard various aircraft carriers. Noteworthy is his deployment aboard the USS Eisenhower with the “Blue Blasters” of Strike Fighter Squadron 34 (VFA-34), where he executed his final combat mission. Preceding his NASA tenure, Wilmore served as a Flight Test Instructor for the United States Air Force at Edwards Air Force Base, California.
With two successful spaceflights under his belt, Wilmore piloted shuttle Atlantis on the STS-129 mission to the ISS in 2009 and commanded Expedition 42 on a 167-day mission from September 25, 2014, to March 12, 2015. During this second endeavor, Wilmore conducted three spacewalks to prep the orbital lab for new international docking adapters and forthcoming U.S. commercial crew spacecraft.
Suni L. Williams:
Sunita “Suni” Williams is the adept pilot who will navigate Starliner through the cosmic expanse. Chosen as an astronaut candidate in 1998, Williams boasts a decorated career as a U.S. Navy Captain, accruing over 3000 flight hours across a fleet of 30 diverse aircraft.
Born in Euclid, Ohio, Williams considers Needham, Massachusetts her cherished hometown. Alongside her husband, Michael, Williams relishes quality time with their dogs and shares a profound passion for outdoor pursuits such as hiking and camping. Armed with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Science from the U.S. Naval Academy and a Master of Science in Engineering Management degree from the Florida Institute of Technology, Williams embodies a blend of academic rigor and practical expertise.
Upon selection as an astronaut candidate in 1998, Williams embarked on a voyage aboard the U.S. Navy amphibious assault ship USS Saipan. Post-astronaut training, she collaborated in Moscow with the Russian Space Agency on the Russian segment of the space station and the first Expedition Crew. Subsequently, Williams delved into the intricacies of the Robotics branch, contributing to the enhancements of the space station’s Robotic Arm and the Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator.
Williams previously voyaged to the ISS twice, amassing a total of 322 days in the cosmos and amassing 50 hours and 40 minutes in spacewalks – making her the second female astronaut with the most cumulative spacewalk time. Her inaugural flight to the ISS transpired aboard the space shuttle Discovery as part of Expedition 14/15 for a six-month tenure from December 9, 2006, to June 22, 2007.
Following her initial venture, Williams ascended to the position of Deputy Chief of the Astronaut Office. In 2012, she embarked on a second extended mission as Flight Engineer for Expedition 32 and Commander for Expedition 33, lasting four months. Overarching this mission was a series of spacewalks, including a critical repair operation to rectify an ammonia leak on a station radiator. In addition to her cosmic odyssey, Williams dwelled underwater in the Aquarius habitat for 9 days as part of the NEEMO2 crew.
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