NASA, Boeing, and ULA officials have completed the final details before the first crewed flight of Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, which will carry two astronauts to the ISS. Credit: Boeing
Officials have completed their preparations for the first crewed flight of Boeing’s Starliner to the ISS, and the weather looks good for the Monday launch.
NASA, Boeing, and ULA (United Launch Alliance) officials have discussed the last prelaunch details to send two astronauts aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft to the International Space Station as the first crewed flight for Starliner. The prelaunch news conference took place at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
“We are embarking on a completely new adventure. This is a crucial part of our exploration of space and what I refer to as the ‘golden age of space exploration,’” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. “It’s a historic and wonderful day.”
Officials have given updates on the countdown to the 10:34 p.m. EDT Monday, May 6 launch of NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore, commander, and Suni Williams, pilot, on the Starliner spacecraft for NASA’s Boeing Crew Flight Test mission Officials plan for the crew to dock at the space station on Wednesday, May 8, for about a week-long visit before returning to Earth with a parachute and airbag-assisted landing in the southwestern United States.. The crew is set to dock at the space station on Wednesday, May 8, for about a week-long stay before returning to Earth with a parachute and airbag-assisted landing in the southwestern United States.
“It’s exciting to bring Starliner and a United launch Alliance Atlas vehicle online,” said Steve Stich, manager, NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. “We have been striving for commercial crew to have two independent space transportation systems. That’s been our goal from commercial crew since its inception, and we’re very close to reaching that goal with the launch on Monday.”
Brian Cizek, launch weather officer with the 45th Weather Squadron, forecasts a 95% chance of favorable weather conditions for launch, with the primary weather concern being the cumulus cloud rule.
“I couldn’t be prouder of this team. We are currently performing at our best, and we are very excited to carry out this launch. We’re ready to go,” said Mark Nappi, vice president and program manager, Commercial Crew Program, Boeing.
At 3:30 p.m., NASA held a social media briefing (see video above) with the following participants:
- NASA Associate Administrator Jim Free
- Ian Kappes, deputy launch vehicle office manager, NASA’s Commercial Crew Program
- Amy Comeau Denker, Starliner associate chief engineer, Boeing
- Caleb Weiss, system engineering and test leader, ULA
On Saturday, May 4, the ULA Atlas V rocket and Starliner spacecraft will roll out to the pad at Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Launch is scheduled for 10:34 p.m. Monday, May 6.
Here is a list of other upcoming events leading up to the mission:
All times U.S. Eastern, which equates to UTC-4.
All television broadcasts are carried on NASA TV’s Public and Media channels.
Audio streams are not carried on NASA TV and will be available on this page or via a link posted here.
TV Schedule for NASAs Boeing Starliner Crew Flight Test (Rev. A)
Monday, May 6
Six thirty p.m.—Transmission of NASA’s Boeing Starliner Crew Flight Test, featuring NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, flying to the International Space Station. Takeoff is planned for 10:34 p.m.
- On NASA+, broadcasting will continue until the spacecraft reaches orbit.
- On NASA TV, broadcasting will continue until the spacecraft docks, the hatch opens, and welcome remarks are given on Wednesday morning.
Tuesday, May 7
Midnight—Live coverage of NASA’s Boeing Starliner Crew Flight Test postlaunch news conference. Stream live on NASA+ and NASA TV Public Channel. Mission operational coverage will continue on NASA Television’s Media Channel during the news conference. Once the postlaunch news conference is complete, mission coverage will continue on both NASA Television channels.
Ten fifteen p.m.—Coverage of NASA’s Boeing Starliner Crew Flight Test continues on NASA TV’s Public Channel and resumes on NASA+. Docking is planned for 12:48 a.m. on May 8. Hatch opening is planned for 2:35 a.m. on May 8, followed by crew welcoming remarks at approximately 3:15 a.m.
Wednesday, May 8
Four fifteen a.m.—Live coverage of NASA’s Boeing Starliner Crew Flight Test post-docking news conference. Stream live on NASA+
Friday, May 10
Eleven forty a.m.—ISS Expedition 71 in-flight interview for KMGH-TV, Denver, with NASA flight engineer Matt Dominick. Stream live on NASA+
Tuesday, May 14
12:10 p.m.—ISS Expedition 71 educational in-flight event for the TRIO Upward Bound Program at the Desert Vista Campus of Pima Community College in Tucson, Ariz., with NASA flight engineers Tracy Dyson and Mike Barrat
Thursday, May 16
Eleven forty a.m.—ISS Expedition 71 educational in-flight event for the New York Hall of Science in Corona, N.Y., with NASA flight engineer Jeanette Epps
