Update 08/03/2021 at 10:44 AM ET: Today's launch attempt was officially cancelled. A new time frame for the next attempt will be announced. We will keep you posted on any new developments.Boeing is ready to fly its Starliner CST100 commercial crew spacecraft to orbit. This will be a crucial demonstration before the actual launch. NASA must then officially certify the spacecraft for regular flight. Today's Orbital Flight Test 2 mission (OFT-2), is a repeat of the one Boeing and NASA performed in December 2019.The first attempt was supposed to be the last. However, software problems caused a misfire of the craft engines. This exhaustion of fuel meant that the space station could not be reached for automated docking. Boeing decided to save the test by landing an attempt. This also ran into a problem, but it was fixed before a successful touchdown.Boeing had originally planned to fly the mission again in 2013, but the schedule was delayed due to a number of factors. A global pandemic that occurred during the interim couldn't have helped. NASA and Boeing conducted extensive investigations to determine the root cause of the OFT-1 mission's problems. They also examined the culture and development processes used in Boeing's software development.Space industry professionals may be familiar with the fact that NASA has contracted Boeings Starliner to transport its astronauts to SpaceX. Elon Musk's private launch company was successful with its orbital flight test and subsequently flew people aboard its final demonstration launch. It is now a regular service provider to NASA and has carried two groups of astronauts into the ISS for their standard tours of duty.All eyes will be on Boeing as it tries to pull off this cleanly given the amount of time since its last flight to rectify any mistakes and prepare. The launch will take place at 1:20 ET. Live coverage via the stream below will begin around 12:30 ET.
