Boeing is attempting an uncrewed test of its Starliner capsule. The previous test of the system did not go well, so the company is under tremendous pressure to succeed. You can watch the launch live here. The previous attempt at Orbital Flight Test-2 never got off the ground. The company claims to have solved the valve problem that led to the canceled launch. The first option for delivering astronauts to the International Space Station is the SpaceX Crew Dragon, but NASA is hoping for a better outcome. The uncrewed Starliner is scheduled to launch on a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket. The sun sets at 3:54 p.m. The time is PDT. The rocket is going to blast off from the Space Force Station in Florida. You can catch the live coverage of the launch at NASA TV, Boeing's Starliner site, and on YouTube, but you're welcome to stay here and catch the action on the feed below. The coverage will start at 6 pm. The sun sets at 3:00 p.m. The time is PDT. There is a 70% chance of favorable weather for the launch. If the launch is scrubbed, Boeing and ULA will try again tomorrow at 6:32 p.m. The time is at 10:30. The certification of Starliner for its astronauts is a critical step in the process. Boeing wants to conduct an end-to-end test of the spacecraft's capabilities, including launch, docking at the International Space Station, atmospheric re-entry, and a parachute-assisted desert landing.
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The OFT-1 mission failed to reach the International Space Station because of a software glitch. The OFT-2 failed to leave the launch pad in August of 2021. It was later determined that the system was caused by Moisture. The valves got stuck because of the resulting corrosion. NASA says the issue has been closed out and Boeing has been cycling the valves to ensure proper function.
Starliners will have a fake passenger in the form of Rosie the Rocketeer. Boeing's 15 sensors will collect data to better understand what actual astronauts will experience during Starliner flights. Rosie survived the OFT-1 mission.
Starliner should arrive at the International Space Station at 7:10 p.m. if the Atlas V rocket leaves Cape Canaveral on schedule. 4:30 p.m. On Friday May 20. The docking will involve a test of the capsule's vision-based navigation system. A docking retreat will be recreated with an automated abort sequence.
The test will serve a practical purpose since Starliner will deliver 800 pounds of cargo. 600 pounds of cargo will be brought back to the surface by Boeing after it docks with the International Space Station.
A successful test of Starliner would lead to a Crew Flight Test in which two NASA astronauts will participate. The launch could happen within the year.
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