Boeing’s Starliner Spacecraft has (at last!) Launched into Space

Boeing finally had success today with its Starliner spacecraft, which soared into orbit after numerous attempts. At 10:52 am EDT, astronauts Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station aboard an Atlas V rocket.

Following 14 years of cost overruns, delays, persistent technical issues, an embarrassing initial uncrewed flight, and a series of last-minute launch scrubs, Boeing’s Starliner is finally en route to the International Space Station (ISS) with two NASA astronauts on board.

Atlas V Rocket Launches Successfully from Cape Canaveral

Under clear skies, the United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket launched from Space Launch Complex-41 (SLC-41) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida within an “instant” launch window.

Six seconds into the flight, the rocket reached maximum dynamic pressure and went supersonic just after one minute. The Atlas booster shut down two minutes and 20 seconds into the flight, and the Centaur second stage ignited its engine 10 seconds after separation, which occurred at four minutes and 28 seconds.

Starliner Enters Orbit Following Successful Centaur Stage Separation

Around five minutes into the mission, the Centaur engine shut down. Approximately 11 minutes after liftoff, the Starliner separated from the second stage and entered orbit at an altitude between 116 and 137 miles (187 and 222 km) with an inclination of 51.62º.

According to Boeing, the astronauts have removed their spacesuits and are performing a series of flight tests. These include using stars to orient the craft in an emergency, manually flying the capsule without autonomous control, and pointing the solar panels at the Sun to generate power.

The Starliner is expected to dock with the space station tomorrow, delivering 760 lb (345 kg) of supplies. The crew will spend a week aboard before returning to Earth. If the mission is successful, the spacecraft will be certified for long-duration missions.

“This crew flight test marks the start of a new era in space exploration as astronauts Wilmore and Williams test Boeing’s Starliner en route to the International Space Station,” said Ted Colbert, President and CEO of Boeing Defense, Space & Security. “This is an excellent beginning. We are eager to see the astronauts safely reach the space station and return home.”

Read the original article on: New Atlas

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