NASA and Boeing have confirmed that the first crewed Starliner mission is on track for its historic launch on May 6. The mission will see the Starliner capsule carry two astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS). The decision came after a critical flight test review, where it was determined that the capsule is ready for launch.
Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are scheduled to board the Starliner on the evening of May 6 and embark on their journey to space aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket. Approximately 24 hours later, they will arrive at the ISS, where they will stay for about a week. The Starliner will remain docked with the station, and the duo will use it to return to Earth. To ensure a soft landing, the Starliner will be slowed down by five parachutes, enabling a safe touchdown in the western U.S.
This will be Starliner’s second flight to the ISS, following an uncrewed mission called Orbital Flight Test-2 in May 2022. The significance of this mission cannot be understated. NASA established the Commercial Crew Program (CCP) in 2011 to purchase astronaut transportation services from private industry, selecting SpaceX and Boeing under a multi-billion-dollar deal. However, while SpaceX has successfully completed all six missions under the original contract and more, Boeing’s Starliner has faced significant delays due to technical issues.
These delays have cost Boeing over $1.5 billion in overrun costs. The aerospace giant has also faced other challenges in its commercial airplane unit, leading to regulatory scrutiny. Earlier this year, it was announced that Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun would step down at the end of 2024.
For NASA, having another spacecraft like Starliner means doubling America’s astronaut transportation resources and introducing much-needed redundancy to the agency’s human spaceflight program. If this upcoming test is successful, Starliner will achieve its final certification and be ready for regular missions under the CCP contract.
NASA has determined that the probability of a loss-of-crew with this Starliner mission is 1-in-295, which meets NASA’s required odds. However, there was no equivalent data available for SpaceX’s Crew Dragon. Safety is a top priority for NASA, and the agency’s associate administrator, Jim Free, emphasized the seriousness with which they approach crew safety. He stated, “The lives of our crew members, Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, are at stake. We don’t take that lightly at all.”
In conclusion, Boeing’s Starliner is set to embark on its first crewed mission to the ISS on May 6. The successful completion of this mission will not only provide NASA with additional astronaut transportation resources but also validate Starliner’s readiness for regular missions. Despite previous delays and challenges faced by Boeing, the company is now focused on ensuring the safety and success of this crucial mission.