All eyes are on Cape Canaveral today as Boeing attempts an uncrewed run of its Starliner capsule . The late test of the NASA - fund organization did not go well , so the aerospace ship’s company is under wondrous pressure to succeed . The stage is set , and you’re able to watch this much - anticipated launch live justly here .
This is Boeing ’s second attempt at Orbital Flight Test-2 ( OFT-2 ) , as theprior attemptin 2021 never let off the ground . The companyclaims to have resolved the valve problemthat result in the strike down launching . NASA is surely hoping for a practiced event ; the blank space agency is seeking to add a 2d option for birth its spaceman to the ISS — the first option being SpaceX Crew Dragon .
The uncrewed CST-100 Starliner is scheduled to launch atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V garden rocket at 6:54 p.m. EDT ( 3:54 p.m. PDT ) . The rocket will blast off from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida . Live coverage of the launch will be made uncommitted atNASA TV , YouTube , and at Boeing’sStarliner site , but you ’re welcome to bide right here and catch the activity at the provender provide below . Coverage will get at 6:00 p.m. EDT ( 3:00 p.m. PDT ) .
CST-100 Starliner atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket.Photo: Boeing
The weather condition prognosis indicates a 70 % chance of favourable condition for launching . Should the launch be scrubbed , Boeing and ULA will examine again tomorrow ( May 20 ) at 6:32 p.m. EDT .
OFT-2 exemplify a vital step in NASA ’s certification of Starliner for its astronauts . To that death , Boeing is hoping to transmit an end - to - end psychometric test of the spacecraft ’s capabilities , include launching , bob at the International Space Station , atmospheric re - entry , and a chute - assist desert landing in White Sands , New Mexico .
During the OFT-1 mission in December 2019,Starliner made it to space but failed to reach the ISSafter a computer software automation glitch caused the ballistic capsule to burn supernumerary fuel . OFT-2 die to leave the launching domiciliation in August 2021 because 13 of 24 oxidant valve in the capsule ’s propulsion system fail to spread out during the countdown . Moisture , it was after determined , crept into the scheme , induce nitric acid to form . The result corroding caused the valve to get adhere . NASA says the issue “ has been conclude out ” and Boeing has been wheel the valves regularly to ensure right function .
Starliner being lifted at the Vertical Integration Facility at Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on 26 February 2025.Photo: NASA/Frank Michaux
No crew will participate in OFT-2 , but Starliner will have a phoney rider in the anatomy of Rosie the Rocketeer . Boeing ’s “ anthropometric gimmick ” is currently strapped to a Starliner seat , where its 15 sensing element will collect information to better sympathize what factual astronauts will experience during Starliner flight . Rosie is a space veteran , having survive the botched OFT-1 commission .
Should the Atlas fin skyrocket depart Cape Canaveral on schedule , Starliner should arrive at the ISS at 7:10 p.m. EDT ( 4:10 p.m. EDT ) on Friday May 20 . The moorage will require a trial of the abridgment ’s vision - based navigation system , which will allow for autonomous docking . An machine-driven abort sequence will also be tested to emulate a moorage retirement .
Starliner will deliver 800 Sudanese pound of cargo to the ISS , so the test , if successful , will serve a practical design . Boeing ’s spacecraft will retrovert to Earth five to 10 days after docking , at which time it will bring in 600 hammering of lading back to the aerofoil , including reusable Nitrogen Oxygen Recharge System cooler that allow for air travel to the ISS crowd .
Rosie the Rocketeer—a test manikin—is coming along for the ride.Photo: Boeing
A successful test of Starliner would set the stage for a Crew Flight Test , or CFT , in which two yet - to - be name NASA astronaut will participate in the flight . No date has been coiffure for this launch , but it could befall within the calendar twelvemonth .
Daily Newsletter
Get the good technical school , science , and polish tidings in your inbox day by day .
word from the future , deliver to your present .
You May Also Like
