NASA press release or official ISS communication

Boeing's Starliner Successfully Launches NASA Astronauts to ISS for First Time

Jun 5, 2024, 03:18 PM

Boeing has successfully launched its Starliner spacecraft carrying NASA astronauts for the first time. This historic liftoff took place at 10:52 a.m. ET on Wednesday morning from Cape Canaveral, Florida, after two previous attempts were thwarted by technical issues. The spacecraft, carried by a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, is now en route to the International Space Station (ISS). This mission, named the Crew Flight Test (CFT), marks a significant milestone for Boeing, which has faced years of delays and setbacks in its space program. The crew includes NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who are expected to dock with the ISS and conduct various tests. This successful launch positions Boeing alongside SpaceX as a provider of crewed spaceflights for NASA.