Starliner Ready for Launch Pad Rollout

Mission to ISS Critical to Boeing's Plans

Boeing is targeting May 6 for the launch of its uncrewed CST-100 Starliner space capsule on a test flight to the International Space Station. The flight is critical to the company's plans to resume flights under NASA's Commercial Crew Program.

The Starliner is scheduled to launch on a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. If the mission is successful, it will pave the way for crewed flights to the ISS later this year.

The Starliner has been in development for years, and it has faced several setbacks. In 2019, the capsule's first uncrewed flight to the ISS was cut short due to software problems. Boeing has since made changes to the software and the capsule has undergone extensive testing.

The upcoming flight will be the first time that the Starliner has been launched with its full complement of systems, including its life support systems and docking mechanism. The capsule will also carry a mannequin named Rosie, which will be used to collect data on the effects of space travel on the human body.

If the flight is successful, it will be a major milestone for Boeing and NASA. The Starliner would become the second commercial spacecraft capable of carrying astronauts to the ISS, joining SpaceX's Crew Dragon capsule.