Boeing and its launch partners are making final preparations for the next Starliners test flight.
The Starliner's human transportation capabilities are expected to be demonstrated in a crewless mission to the International Space Station.
Boeing's Starliner failed in a test flight in December.
NASA and Boeing intended to attempt a second test flight in August last year, after multiple fixes were made to the spacecraft's software. The mission was scrubbed after engineers discovered valve problems in the Starliner.
The Atlas V rocket will be used to launch Starliner. The upper stage of the Atlas V rocket was placed on top of the first stage inside the Vertical Integration Facility in preparation for launch day. The Starliner will be fitted to the top of the rocket in early May.
The Dual Engine Centaur was hoisted atop #AtlasV today for ULA's 150th mission. The rocket is ready to begin pre-flight testing ahead of liftoff on May 19 with @BoeingSpace's #Starliner for the #OFT2 mission.
Read our full blog: https://t.co/TP9jkQQnHH pic.twitter.com/XoLi3M5ijK
— ULA (@ulalaunch) April 26, 2022
The Starliner will dock with the International Space Station before returning to Earth in a parachute-assisted landing five days after launch.
A successful flight would make Boeing's Starliner a step closer to becoming a part of NASA's Commercial Crew Program, a public-private effort aimed at boosting the accessibility of space by combining the space agency's extensive experience with new technology.
Since 2012 the company has been transporting cargo to the International Space Station with the help of its Dragon and Falcon 9 rockets, which have been crewed flights since 2020.
NASA and Boeing are aware of how important the Orbital Flight Test-2 mission is after years of issues and two failed missions. Be sure to check back later in the day for more information on how to watch the crucial flight.
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