NASA Astronauts Set to Make Historic Starliner Launch in 2024

NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry "Butch" Wilmore are preparing to make history by being the first crew to launch aboard Boeing's CST-100 Starliner spacecraft. The veteran astronauts, both former U.S. The veteran astronauts, both former U.S. Navy test pilots, will set out on the Crew Flight Test (CFT) mission on May 6, 2024, from Florida's Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Liftoff is scheduled for 10:34 p.m. EDT, marking a significant milestone in the certification of the Starliner spacecraft for regular crew rotations to the International Space Station (ISS).

Why this matters: The success of this mission will pave the way for a reliable and robust system for maintaining a continuous human presence on the ISS, enabling NASA to focus on deeper space exploration. The success of this mission will pave the way for a reliable and robust system for maintaining a continuous human presence on the ISS, enabling NASA to focus on deeper space exploration. Additionally, it will demonstrate the capabilities of private companies like Boeing in providing commercial transportation of astronauts, potentially leading to a significant shift in space travel and exploration.

Williams and Wilmorebring extensive spaceflight experience to the mission. Wilmore, the CFT commander, has logged 178 days in space over two previous ISS missions, while Williams, the pilot, has spent an impressive 322 days in space during her two ISS missions and has completed seven spacewalks. "It almost feels unreal,"Williams said, expressing her enthusiasm for the upcoming launch. The astronauts have undergone rigorous preparation and testing for the mission, and their confidence in the Starliner spacecraft is evident.

During theweek-long mission, Williams and Wilmore will conduct a series of tests to evaluate the Starliner's performance in both nominal and off-nominal scenarios. These tests will include manual flying of the spacecraft, checkouts of avionics and thrusters, and practicing procedures for recharging batteries and rebuilding the guidance system. The astronauts will also spend time aboard the ISS before returning to Earth.

The launch sequence will involve several critical milestones. Two hours and 15 minutes before launch, the crew will suit up, perform a traditional walkout, and arrive at the launch pad. The spacecraft will transfer to internal power 80 minutes prior to liftoff, followed by a leak check 50 minutes before launch. The crew access arms will retract 11 minutes before launch, and the launch abort system will be armed 75 seconds prior to liftoff.

Upon liftoff, the Atlas V rocket carrying the Starliner will begin maneuvering to adjust its trajectory towards orbit. The solid rocket boosters will burn out and separate 90 seconds into the flight, followed by the separation of the first stage four minutes after launch. The second stage, powered by two RL-10 engines, will then ignite and shut off 12 minutes into the mission. The Starliner spacecraft will separate from the second stage 15 minutes after launch.

The Starliner approaches the ISS, Williams and Wilmore will perform a series of burns to adjust the spacecraft's orbit at 31 minutes and 1 hour 15 minutes into the mission. The astronauts will then conduct tests for both nominal and off-nominal docking scenarios before finally docking with the space station. "It's already been a busy day, but then we have liftoff. That's where my real work starts,"said Mike Lammers, NASA Starliner flight director.

The success of the CFT mission will pave the way for Starliner's certification by NASA, allowing it to join SpaceX's Crew Dragon in providing regular commercial transportation of astronauts to and from the ISS. This milestone will ensure a robust and reliable system for maintaining a continuous human presence on the orbiting laboratory, with launches alternating between the two spacecraft starting in 2025.

The world's attention will be focused on the historic launch of the Starliner spacecraft, with the eyes of the spaceflight community fixed on Cape Canaveral come May 6, 2024. With Williams and Wilmore at the helm, the CFT mission represents a major milestone in the commercial spaceflight industry, showcasing the expertise and dedication of NASA's astronaut corps and the capabilities of the Starliner spacecraft. A successful mission will mark the beginning of a significant chapter in human spaceflight, ensuring a reliable path to space for NASA's crews and paving the way for future exploration and discovery.

Key Takeaways

• NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry "Butch" Wilmore to launch on Boeing's CST-100 Starliner on May 6, 2024.
• Mission will test Starliner's performance and pave way for regular crew rotations to the International Space Station.
• Astronauts will conduct series of tests, including manual flying and avionics checks, during week-long mission.
• Success will certify Starliner for commercial transportation of astronauts, joining SpaceX's Crew Dragon.
• Mission marks significant milestone in commercial spaceflight industry, ensuring reliable path to space for NASA's crews.