CAPE CANAVERAL (Fla.) NASA Administrator Bill Nelson was ready to cheer the launch of Boeing’s Starliner crew capsule during a crucial uncrewed test flight this Wednesday.NASA and Boeing are preparing to launch a mission called Orbital Flight Test 2 or OFT-2 on a journey towards the International Space Station (ISS). Starliner, perched on top of its United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, is ready to launch from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (14:20 EDT) (1720 GMT).Nelson stated that "This [flight] was one of many exciting events happening this year at Kennedy Space Center," during a prelaunch press conference on Thursday (July 29,) when the mission team was aiming for launch the following day.Similar: Boeing Starliner Orbital Flight Test 2 - Live UpdatesPhotos: Boeing's Starliner Orbital Test Flight 2 mission from the International Space StationStarliner will spend approximately one week at the orbital station before returning to Earth via parachute for an landing in New Mexico. NASA will grant Boeing permission to launch astronauts using the Starliner spacecraft in the future. This is a crucial milestone for NASA's Commercial Crew Program.Nelson was born on the Space Coast, and represented the region for many decades in Congress. He is a huge space fan and said that it was a privilege to lead NASA. Nelson called the launch team "incredible" while he expressed excitement to be with Boeing as it prepares for NASA's second crew spacecraft.Nelson stated, "Last week’s flight readiness review was, it was smooth like glass." "The weather is all that concerns me."Nelson spoke out about Starliner's role as a private vehicle that can ferry NASA astronauts to space station. When the capsule is fully operational, it will join SpaceX's Crew Dragon vehicle which is currently in orbit for its second long-term stay. Nelson stated that two commercial partners are crucial for reliable and sustainable access to space.He said, "Competition can be good for many reasons. Not only because it is the most efficient and cost-effective work, but also because it gives you back up."Nelson stated that the "proof is in it" that NASA requires two commercial vehicles to address the anomaly that Starliner experienced during its first uncrewed test flight in December 2019. The vehicle experienced several problems, was stuck in an incorrect orbit, and had to return to Earth. It did not meet up with the space station."What if there weren't two competitors, and Boeing was the only one?" Nelson stated. Nelson said, "That's enough to show why we want competition."Starliner's eagerly awaited second launch, originally scheduled for Friday, July 30, has been delayed slightly due to an unanticipated situation at the space station. The Russian's Nauka module docked on Thursday, July 29. Soon after, thrusters suddenly started firing, and the space station began to tilt.According to Russia's space agency, the anomaly was caused due to a software problem. Teams were able counteract the movement in about 45 minutes using thrusters on the Progress 78 and Zvezda spacecraft. NASA and Boeing wanted NASA to make sure that everything was in order before they launched a new vehicle to explore it. Starliner's next chance to launch was delayed by other activities around the launch site.After a brief stop on the launch pad the OFT-2 Starliner capsule with its Atlas V rocket were rolled back for shelter from the harsh weather on July 30, 2021. A delay had pushed the flight to not earlier than August 3, 2021. (Image credit NASA/Joel KowskyIn case of bad weather, the rocket was rolled back to the hangar. However, both the vehicle as well as the spacecraft are now ready for launch. If everything goes according to plan, spacecraft will dock with station on Wednesday Aug. 4, and remain attached for less then a week before returning home.NASA will soon have two spacecraft to ferry astronauts from the station to and fro once Starliner has been certified for carrying humans. NASA envisions a future in which both its astronauts and international partners will use the different types of spacecraft that can reach the orbiting laboratory. During his visit to Kennedy Space Center, Nelson applauded NASA's relationship with Roscosmos, its Russian counterpart.Nelson stated, "Terrestrially we have immense tensions with Russia." "In space, there is cooperation."Roscosmos is closely working with the agency to place a Russian Cosmonaut on a upcoming flight aboard one or more of the new commercial vehicles. SpaceX's Crew-4 mission will launch in 2022. Before the fleet was retired in 2011, cosmonauts flew on NASA's Space Shuttles.Between the time of SpaceX's Crew Dragon vehicle's development and certification, Russia's Soyuz capsules had been the only way to reach the space station for nearly a decade. NASA's goal was to avoid relying on one type of vehicle. This is why they hired two companies to develop new crew ships.Follow Amy Thompson @astrogingersnap. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter @Spacedotcom
