Boeing's Starliner Spacecraft Nears First Crewed Mission

Long-awaited Test Flight Scheduled for May 2024

Mission to Perform Critical Tasks Before Transporting NASA Astronauts

Boeing is edging closer to the highly anticipated maiden crewed test flight of its Starliner spacecraft, a significant milestone in the development of NASA's commercial crew program. The mission, designated the Crew Flight Test (CFT), is slated for launch as early as May 6, 2024, on a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.

The CFT mission will be a crucial test of the Starliner's systems and capabilities before it begins transporting NASA astronauts to and from the International Space Station (ISS). During the mission, the spacecraft will rendezvous and dock with the ISS, where it will remain for several days while the crew conducts operational tests and gathers data.

Two veteran astronauts, Barry Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, have been selected to pilot the Starliner spacecraft during the CFT mission. Both astronauts have extensive experience in space, including long-duration missions aboard the ISS. Their expertise will be essential in ensuring the success of the test flight.