Starliner on orbit, astronauts headed to space station
The CST-100 Starliner has reached a safe, stable orbit during its first crewed flight test.
Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner launches atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket on the Crew Flight Test at 10:52 a.m. Eastern time on Wednesday, June 5, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. (Photo credit: Boeing/ Joey Jetton)
Carrying its first passengers — NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams — the CST-100 Starliner is on its way to the International Space Station. The spacecraft performed its planned orbital insertion burn about 31 minutes after launching from Florida’s Cape Canaveral Space Force Station aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket.
“With Starliner’s launch, separation from the rocket and arrival on orbit, Boeing’s Crew Flight Test is right on track,” said Mark Nappi, vice president and program manager of Boeing’s Commercial Crew Program. “Everyone is focused on giving Suni and Butch a safe, comfortable ride and performing a successful test mission from start to finish.”
The spacecraft is expected to dock with the space station a little more than 24 hours after reaching orbit. Wilmore and Williams will be on station with Expedition Crew 71 and stay for about eight days. In addition to transporting the astronauts, the Boeing-built Starliner has on board about 760 pounds (345 kilograms) of cargo, including 307 pounds (139 kilograms) for NASA, such as food and items requested by the crew while on the space station.