Boeing is gearing up for its inaugural astronaut launch following a prolonged period of setbacks. The aerospace company is set to send NASA test pilots to the International Space Station aboard its Starliner capsule from Cape Canaveral.
NASA enlisted Boeing and SpaceX a decade ago to transport astronauts to and from the space station post the retirement of the shuttle program, with both companies receiving substantial funding for the project. While SpaceX has been successfully conducting orbital missions since 2020, Boeing faced hurdles along the way.
Prior to this manned mission, Boeing encountered issues during Starliner's unmanned test flight in 2019, which resulted in the spacecraft missing its intended orbit and failing to dock with the space station. Consequently, Boeing had to conduct another demonstration before proceeding with crewed flights. Further assessments in the subsequent year led to the identification and rectification of parachute and flammable tape concerns within the capsule.
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson emphasized the importance of having contingency plans in place, underscoring the agency's commitment to ensuring the safety and success of all missions. The upcoming launch marks a significant milestone for Boeing as it strives to demonstrate its capabilities in crewed spaceflight.
