Boeing's Starliner Astronaut Mission Set for May 6, 2024

Critical Test Flight to Showcase Spacecraft's Capabilities

Cape Canaveral, Florida (April 10, 2023) - Boeing is preparing to launch its first-ever Starliner astronaut mission for NASA as early as May 6, 2024, on a critical test flight to demonstrate the spacecraft's readiness for operational missions.

Background on the Mission

The Starliner spacecraft is designed to transport astronauts to and from the International Space Station (ISS). It has undergone extensive testing in preparation for its first crewed mission. The upcoming test flight will be uncrewed and will focus on evaluating the spacecraft's systems and performance in space.

Launch Preparations Underway

The Starliner capsule, atop an Atlas V rocket, is currently being rolled out to the launchpad at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Launch preparations are proceeding according to schedule, with the team targeting May 6, 2024, as the earliest possible launch date.

Significance of the Mission

This test flight is a major milestone for Boeing and NASA. A successful mission will pave the way for crewed Starliner flights to the ISS, providing NASA with another option for astronaut transportation. It will also boost NASA's efforts to advance human space exploration and enable future missions to the Moon and Mars.