Boeing Starliner ready to launch NASA astronauts after years of delays
- by Fox 5 NY
- May 05, 2024
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A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket with Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner spacecraft aboard is seen illuminated by spotlights on the launch pad at Space Launch Complex 41 ahead of the NASA’s Boeing Crew Flight Test, Saturday, May 4, 2024 at Cape Canave NO 'JITTERS' FOR NASA ASTRONAUTS PREPARING TO LAUNCH ON BOEING STARLINER SPACECRAFT
Starliner was set to launch Williams and Wilmore last summer, but Boeing managers revealed new issues with the spacecraft after further examining data from Starliner's OFT orbital flight test in May 2022. Boeing launched an orbital test flight without astronauts twice because of a botched first attempt in 2019 that failed to reach the ISS.
Both astronauts are retired Navy captains going to space for the third time. As the CFT crew, the astronauts will test out Starliner's capability to certify the spacecraft for future astronaut missions. As former Navy test pilots, both astronauts say it is an honor.
"I sort of have to pinch myself a little bit to understand we're actually going," Williams told reporters this week.
NASA will begin live launch coverage at 6:30 p.m. ET on NASA.gov and NASA TV.
Launch weather: 95% favorable for liftoff and balmy for spectators
Spectators will appreciate the night launch as the forecast this week is balmy and warm during the day. During the end of the countdown, the temperature will be about 72 degrees with 82% humidity. Pack your bug spray if you're camping out for the liftoff on Florida's Space Coast.
Boeing CFT launch forecast.(FOX Weather)
The most important forecast comes from the Space Force's 45th Weather Squadron. A day before liftoff, conditions look suitable for the astronauts' ride to space.
Launch weather officers forecast a 95% chance of favorable conditions for the 10:34 p.m. liftoff. The primary concern will be a slight chance of cumulus clouds in the area, posing a flight-through concern, but forecasters say the risk is low.
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