Boeing Launches First Starliner Crew to ISS Successfully

Boeing Launches First Starliner Crew to International Space Station.

Boeing successfully launched its first astronauts aboard the Starliner capsule to the International Space Station, overcoming years of delays and safety concerns plaguing the program.

Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams blasted off from Cape Canaveral, bound for a roughly one-week stay at the orbital outpost. "Let's put some fire in this rocket, and let's push it to the heavens," Wilmore said before liftoff.

Starliner becomes just the sixth US spacecraft to carry NASA astronauts, after Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, the Space Shuttle, and SpaceX's Crew Dragon. Its launch offers Boeing a reprieve from scrutiny over its passenger jets.

NASA aims to certify Boeing as a second commercial crew provider to the ISS, alongside SpaceX. But Starliner faced major setbacks, from a software glitch on its first uncrewed test to a cabin filled with flammable tape. Two previous crewed launch attempts in May and last Saturday were aborted hours before liftoff.

This time, teams resolved issues with a faulty valve and ground computer. While a thruster helium leak was discovered, NASA and Boeing deemed it safe to fly.

The test pilots, who endured multiple delays while suited up, will put Starliner through its paces, manually controlling it and evaluating its capabilities as a potential safe haven.

After undocking, the crew will experience 3.5G forces as the capsule slows for a parachute landing in the western US, marking a key step toward Boeing joining SpaceX in routine crew rotation flights.