Boeing prepares for Starliner’s first crewed launch into space after several setbacks

Boeing is gearing up for a pivotal moment with the first crewed launch of its Starliner space capsule, scheduled for late Monday evening from Cape Canaveral, Florida. This significant step comes after several setbacks, including previous test flight failures and design flaws. The Starliner’s journey has been marred by issues such as an incorrectly set onboard clock in 2019 that disrupted its trajectory, and technical malfunctions during a 2022 docking with the International Space Station (ISS). Additionally, safety concerns last year regarding flammable materials and weak parachute connections led to further delays. The upcoming launch marks a crucial test for Boeing, a decade after NASA awarded it over $4 billion to transport astronauts to and from the ISS. Veteran NASA astronauts Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Sunita “Suni” Williams will pilot the mission, aiming to spend a week at the ISS. Their successful launch aboard the United Launch Alliance’s Atlas V rocket would represent a major achievement for Boeing amidst ongoing scrutiny over its commercial aviation practices, including recent whistleblower revelations and federal investigations.

Source: NPR