Boeing's Starliner Takes Second Shot at Launching Astronauts

Boeing's Starliner capsule aims for a successful astronaut launch after previous delays. The capsule, riding atop an Atlas V rocket, is set for a weeklong trip to the International Space Station. This mission seeks to provide NASA with an alternative to SpaceX for transporting astronauts.

Boeing took another crack at launching astronauts for the first time aboard its new space capsule, Starliner, after previous delays for leak checks and rocket repairs. The Starliner capsule was set to rocket away at midday with a pair of test pilots for a weeklong stay at the International Space Station.

This critical test drive, which should have happened years ago, faced multiple setbacks, most recently a leak discovered just before the first crewed launch attempt in early May. NASA aims to establish Starliner as a backup to SpaceX, which has been the sole provider for astronaut flights for the past four years.

The lift-off is being executed by United Launch Alliance's Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, marking a significant milestone for Boeing and NASA’s astronaut transport program.