Crewed launch of Boeing's Starliner spacecraft for a mission to the International Space Station. Catch the live broadcast of its docking with the Space Station today

NASA's Boeing Starliner Spacecraft En Route to International Space Station

NASA is on the brink of a significant milestone as the Boeing Starliner spacecraft, carrying astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, is currently in transit to the International Space Station (ISS). This historic first test flight for a brand-new spacecraft is part of NASA's Boeing Crew Flight Test under the Commercial Crew Program.

The mission's primary objective is to certify the Starliner spacecraft for regular missions to and from the ISS. During the mission, astronauts Wilmore and Williams will test the environmental control system, displays, controls, and maneuver Starliner's thrusters.

The Commercial Crew Program, in partnership with Boeing and United Launch Alliance (ULA), has worked for over a decade to develop the Starliner spacecraft. The spacecraft has previously flown two uncrewed orbital flights, including a test to and from the Space Station. It has also performed a 'pad abort demonstration'.

Upon arrival at the ISS, astronauts Wilmore and Williams will join the Expedition 71 crew. The crew includes NASA astronauts Michael Barratt, Matt Dominick, Tracy C. Dyson, Jeanette Epps, and Roscosmos cosmonauts Nikolai Chub, Alexander Grebenkin, and Oleg Kononenko.

Targeted docking is planned for 12:15 EDT (16:15 UTC) on 6 June 2024. Coverage of the Starliner docking with the ISS will begin on NASA TV at 09:30 EDT (13:30 UTC). The docking can also be watched via the YouTube livestream.

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson has stated that the Boeing Starliner spacecraft marks a new chapter of American exploration. The successful completion of this mission will pave the way for regular crewed missions to the ISS, signifying a significant step forward in space travel.

After docking, coverage of the post-docking news conference will air live on NASA. The mission aims to test the transportation system, rocket, spacecraft, in-orbit, and return procedures for Starliner's journey to the Space Station.

Up until around 2011, NASA astronauts primarily used the Russian Soyuz rocket and spacecraft for trips to the ISS. The introduction of the Boeing Starliner spacecraft represents a shift towards American-made spacecraft for NASA missions, furthering NASA's goal of advancing space exploration.

Crewed launch of Boeing's Starliner spacecraft for a mission to the International Space Station. Catch the live broadcast of its docking with the Space Station today