CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Boeing’s long-awaited astronaut launch for NASA is set to take place after overcoming years of setbacks and challenges. The upcoming flight will mark the first time Boeing’s Starliner capsule will carry a crew to the International Space Station. This mission involves a pair of NASA pilots who will test the spacecraft during a weeklong visit to the space station.

Following the retirement of the space shuttles, NASA turned to U.S. companies for transporting astronauts. While SpaceX has successfully completed nine trips for NASA since 2020, Boeing has only managed two uncrewed test flights. Despite the delays, Boeing program manager Mark Nappi is determined to proceed with the launch. He expressed his readiness for this crucial moment.

Scheduled for liftoff on Monday night, NASA plans to rotate crewed missions between Boeing and SpaceX for future astronaut transportation to and from the space station. The astronauts selected for this mission are NASA veterans Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, both retired Navy captains with extensive space station experience. They have been actively involved in the development of the Starliner capsule and are confident in its capabilities for this mission.

The Starliner capsule, predominantly white with black and blue accents, stands at approximately 10 feet tall and 15 feet in diameter. Capable of accommodating up to seven individuals, the Starliner is equipped for a four-person crew for NASA missions. Meanwhile, SpaceX’s Dragon capsule serves as a contrasting option with its focus on autonomous and reusable operations.

United Launch Alliance’s Atlas V rocket will propel the Starliner capsule from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, marking a historic event as astronauts ride an Atlas rocket since NASA’s Project Mercury. With a planned arrival at the space station in 26 hours, the Starliner’s docking process will undergo careful scrutiny by the station residents before an eight-day stay.

The future of space transportation is evolving rapidly, with Boeing committed to multiple Starliner trips for NASA and the possibility of offering a fifth seat to private clients. Additionally, Sierra Space’s Dream Chaser mini shuttle is anticipated to join the space delivery market, providing further options for cargo and passenger transport.

As the eagerly anticipated launch approaches, the focus remains on the successful execution of the mission and a new chapter in NASA’s space exploration endeavors.