Boeing's Starliner to Launch Its First Crewed Flight

Launch Scheduled for Spring 2024

Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams Aboard

Boeing's Starliner is on track to launch its first astronaut flight this spring, according to NASA. The Crewed Flight Test (CFT) was tentatively scheduled for a launch date of May 6, 2024, but due to a problem with an oxygen valve on the Atlas rocket, the launch has been delayed.

NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams will launch aboard Starliner on a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket for NASA's Commercial Crew Program. The CFT will be the first time astronauts have launched on Starliner, which is designed to carry up to seven astronauts to and from the International Space Station (ISS).

The Starliner's economic impact can be seen across the United States, with more than 425 suppliers in 37 states. The pusher abort system provides safe and reliable crew escape in the event of an emergency on the launch pad or during ascent.