Boeing Starliner set for first astronaut flight in May 2024

Test mission to demonstrate spacecraft's capabilities

Launch scheduled for May 6 from Cape Canaveral, Florida

Boeing's Starliner spacecraft is on track to launch its first astronaut mission for NASA in May 2024. The test flight will be a critical step in demonstrating the spacecraft's capabilities and paving the way for future crewed missions to the International Space Station (ISS).

The Starliner is being developed under NASA's Commercial Crew Program, which aims to use private companies to transport astronauts to and from the ISS. Boeing is one of two companies awarded contracts under the program, along with SpaceX.

The upcoming test flight will be uncrewed, but it will carry a full complement of cargo and equipment to the ISS. The mission will last for about six months, during which time the Starliner will undergo a series of tests to demonstrate its systems and capabilities.

If the test flight is successful, it will pave the way for the first crewed Starliner mission, which is currently scheduled for launch in late 2024. This mission will carry a crew of four astronauts to the ISS for a six-month stay.

The Starliner is a reusable spacecraft that is designed to carry up to seven astronauts. It is equipped with a variety of advanced features, including a docking system that allows it to connect to the ISS, and a launch abort system that can be used to evacuate the crew in the event of an emergency.

The upcoming test flight is a major milestone for Boeing and NASA. If successful, it will mark a significant step forward in the development of commercial crew transportation to the ISS, and will help to ensure the continued presence of humans in space.