NASA and Boeing Target June 1 for Starliner's First Crewed Flight Test

In a significant step forward for human spaceflight, NASA and Boeing are targeting Saturday, June 1, for the launch of the Starliner Crew Flight Test (CFT). This highly anticipated mission will carry NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams to the International Space Station (ISS), marking the final major milestone before the spacecraft system is certified for regular crewed missions. The global focus remains on engineering teams as they complete their analysis of a small helium leak in the spacecraft's service module, ensuring all systems are go for this pivotal flight.

Mission Context: NASA's Commercial Crew Program

The CFT is a cornerstone of NASA's Commercial Crew Program, an initiative designed to foster partnerships with private aerospace companies to provide safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation to and from the ISS. A successful Starliner mission will establish a second independent US crew transportation system, alongside SpaceX's Crew Dragon, ensuring redundant and continuous access to the orbiting laboratory for astronauts from the United States and international partners.

Technical Overview: Addressing the Helium System

Launch was rescheduled from early May to allow teams time to meticulously evaluate a small helium leak detected in the Starliner service module's propulsion system. Helium is used to pressurize the propellant lines for the spacecraft's thrusters. After extensive data analysis and testing, mission managers have determined that the leak is stable, well within safety margins, and does not pose a risk to the crew or the mission. This rigorous review process underscores the uncompromising commitment to crew safety that defines human spaceflight.

1. Mission: Boeing Crew Flight Test (CFT)
2. Crew: NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore (Commander) and Suni Williams (Pilot)
3. Launch Vehicle: United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket
4. Destination: International Space Station (ISS)

The Scientific and Strategic Significance

The certification of Starliner is strategically vital. It not only fulfills the goals of the Commercial Crew Program but also frees up NASA to focus its resources on deep space exploration missions, including the Artemis program to return humans to the Moon and eventually travel to Mars. For the ISS, having two operational crew vehicles enhances the station's research capacity by enabling larger crew complements and ensuring a robust lifeline to Earth.

We are continuing to take a methodical approach to the Starliner-1 mission. The Crew Flight Test provides a wealth of data that we are using to verify system performance and prepare for the first long-duration operational mission.

Final Preparations and Next Steps

In the days leading up to the June 1 launch attempt, teams will conduct the final launch readiness reviews. Astronauts Wilmore and Williams will enter quarantine and perform final simulations. If the launch proceeds as planned, Starliner will autonomously dock with the ISS about 24 hours later. The crew will spend approximately a week on the station, testing various spacecraft systems before returning to Earth for a parachute and airbag-assisted landing in the western United States.

This mission represents the culmination of years of design, development, and testing by thousands of engineers at NASA and Boeing. A successful flight will open a new chapter in commercial spaceflight, reinforcing the collaborative model that will define humanity's future in low-Earth orbit and beyond.