JOEL KOWSKY / NASA/AFP via Getty ImagesThis handout photo released by NASA shows (fromL) Jim Chilton, senior vice president for Boeing Space and Launch, NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine and Tory Bruno, president and CEO of United Launch Alliance walking past a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket with Boeing's CST-100 Starliner spacecraft onboard on the launch pad at Space Launch Complex 41 ahead of the Orbital Flight Test mission, ON December 19, 2019, at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. - The uncrewed Orbital Flight Test will be Starliner's maiden mission to the International Space Station for NASA's Commercial Crew Program. (Photo by Joel KOWSKY / NASA / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / NASA / JOEL KOWSKY " - NO MARKETING - NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS (Photo by JOEL KOWSKY/NASA/AFP via Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Joe Raedle/GettyCAPE CANAVERAL, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 20: The United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, topped by a Boeing CST-100 Starliner spacecraft, lifts off from Space Launch Complex pad 41 on December 20, 2019 in Cape Canaveral, Florida. The launch is another step in NASA's Commercial Crew Program that aims to return human spaceflight launches to the space station from American soil on America spacecraft and rockets. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Joe Raedle/GettyCAPE CANAVERAL, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 19: The United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, topped by a Boeing CST-100 Starliner spacecraft, is prepared for a 6:36 a.m. EST launch from Space Launch Complex pad 41 on December 19, 2019 in Cape Canaveral, Florida. The scheduled launch is another step in NASA's Commercial Crew Program that aims to return human spaceflight launches to the space station from American soil on America spacecraft and rockets. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Chabeli Herrera / Orlando SentinelIn the early hours of Friday, Boeing's astronaut capsule Starliner illuminated the Space Coast in a seminal launch for NASA's commercial space program.
Joe Burbank/Orlando SentinelA United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket streaks across the horizon at dawn in this view from the St. Johns River, east of Sanford, Fla., Friday, December 20, 2019. The rocket was carrying Boeing's Starliner crew capsule toward the International Space Station on an unpiloted test flight and was visible along the U.S. east coast. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Terry Renna/APPhotographers set up remote cameras for a United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket that will carry Boeing's first Starliner spacecraft on an unpiloted Orbital Test Flight to the International Space Station that stands ready at Launch Complex 41 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Thursday, Dec. 19, 2019. (AP Photo/Terry Renna)
JOEL KOWSKY / NASA/AFP via Getty ImagesThis handout photo released by NASA shows Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R), left, Tory Bruno, president and CEO of United Launch Alliance, and NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine watch as a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket with Boeings CST-100 Starliner spacecraft onbaord launches from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Friday, Dec. 20, 2019, from NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Florida. - The uncrewed Orbital Flight Test launched at 6:36 a.m. EST and is Starliners maiden mission to the International Space Station for NASA's Commercial Crew Program. The mission will serve as an end-to-end test of the system's capabilities. (Photo by Joel KOWSKY / NASA / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / NASA / JOEL KOWSKY " - NO MARKETING - NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS (Photo by JOEL KOWSKY/NASA/AFP via Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Joe Raedle/GettyCAPE CANAVERAL, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 20: The United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, topped by a Boeing CST-100 Starliner spacecraft, leaves a contrail as it heads to space after lift off from Space Launch Complex pad 41 on December 20, 2019 in Cape Canaveral, Florida. The launch is another step in NASA's Commercial Crew Program that aims to return human spaceflight launches to the space station from American soil on America spacecraft and rockets. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Joe Raedle/GettyCAPE CANAVERAL, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 19: People stand near the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, topped by a Boeing CST-100 Starliner spacecraft, as it is prepared for a 6:36 a.m. EST launch from Space Launch Complex pad 41 on December 19, 2019 in Cape Canaveral, Florida. The scheduled launch is another step in NASA's Commercial Crew Program that aims to return human spaceflight launches to the space station from American soil on America spacecraft and rockets. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
The Washington PostNASA Astronaut Mike Fincke makes remarks at the Kennedy Space Center Thursday in anticipation of Friday's test launch. Pictured, left to right, are Robert Cabana, director, Kennedy Space Center; Josh Cassada, Suni Williams, Nicole Mann, Chris Ferguson, Boeing, and NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine and his deputy Jim Morhard. MUST CREDIT: Washington Post photo by Jonathan Newton
Joe Burbank / Orlando SentinelA United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket streaks across the horizon at dawn in this view from the St. Johns River, east of Sanford, Fla., Friday, December 20, 2019. The rocket was carrying Boeing's Starliner crew capsule toward the International Space Station on an unpiloted test flight and was visible along the U.S. east coast. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Raedle/GettyCAPE CANAVERAL, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 20: The United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, topped by a Boeing CST-100 Starliner spacecraft, lifts off from Space Launch Complex pad 41 on December 20, 2019 in Cape Canaveral, Florida. The launch is another step in NASA's Commercial Crew Program that aims to return human spaceflight launches to the space station from American soil on America spacecraft and rockets. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Joe Raedle/GettyCAPE CANAVERAL, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 20: The United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, topped by a Boeing CST-100 Starliner spacecraft, lifts off from Space Launch Complex pad 41 on December 20, 2019 in Cape Canaveral, Florida. The launch is another step in NASA's Commercial Crew Program that aims to return human spaceflight launches to the space station from American soil on America spacecraft and rockets. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Joe Raedle/GettyCAPE CANAVERAL, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 20: The United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, topped by a Boeing CST-100 Starliner spacecraft, lifts off from Space Launch Complex pad 41 on December 20, 2019 in Cape Canaveral, Florida. The launch is another step in NASA's Commercial Crew Program that aims to return human spaceflight launches to the space station from American soil on America spacecraft and rockets. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Terry Renna/APBoeing's first Starliner spacecraft on top of a United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket that will fly an unpiloted Orbital Test Flight to the International Space Station stands ready at Launch Complex 41 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Staton in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Thursday, Dec. 19, 2019. (AP Photo/Terry Renna)
Terry Renna/APA United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket carrying the Boeing Starliner crew capsule on an Orbital Flight Test to the International Space Station lifts off from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force station, Friday, Dec. 20, 2019, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. (AP Photo/Terry Renna)
Malcolm Denemark / APA United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket carrying the Boeing Starliner crew capsule on an Orbital Flight Test to the International Space Station lifts off from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force station, Friday, Dec. 20, 2019, in this four minute time exposure of the launch with the Cocoa Beach, Fla., Pier in the foreground. (Malcolm Denemark/Florida Today via AP)
Joe Burbank / Orlando SentinelA United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket streaks across the horizon at dawn in this view from the St. Johns River, east of Sanford, Fla., Friday, December 20, 2019. The rocket was carrying Boeing's Starliner crew capsule toward the International Space Station on an unpiloted test flight and was visible along the U.S. east coast. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
JOEL KOWSKY / NASA/AFP via Getty ImagesThis handout photo released by NASA shows a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket with Boeings CST-100 Starliner spacecraft launches from Space Launch Complex 41, Friday, December 20, 2019, at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. - The uncrewed Orbital Flight Test launched at 6:36 a.m. EST and is Starliners maiden mission to the International Space Station for NASA's Commercial Crew Program. The mission will serve as an end-to-end test of the system's capabilities. (Photo by Joel KOWSKY / NASA / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / NASA / JOEL KOWSKY " - NO MARKETING - NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS (Photo by JOEL KOWSKY/NASA/AFP via Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Joe Raedle / Getty ImagesCAPE CANAVERAL, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 20: The United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, topped by a Boeing CST-100 Starliner spacecraft, lifts off from Space Launch Complex pad 41 on December 20, 2019 in Cape Canaveral, Florida. The launch is another step in NASAs Commercial Crew Program that aims to return human spaceflight launches to the space station from American soil on America spacecraft and rockets. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Joe Burbank / Orlando SentinelA United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket streaks across the horizon at dawn in this view from the St. Johns River, east of Sanford, Fla., Friday, December 20, 2019. The rocket was carrying Boeing's Starliner crew capsule toward the International Space Station on an unpiloted test flight and was visible along the U.S. east coast. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Terry Renna / APA time exposure of the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket carrying the Boeing Starliner crew capsule on an Orbital Flight Test to the International Space Station lifts off from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force station, Friday, Dec. 20, 2019, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. (AP Photo/Terry Renna)
Joe Raedle/GettyCAPE CANAVERAL, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 20: The United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, topped by a Boeing CST-100 Starliner spacecraft, lifts off from Space Launch Complex pad 41 on December 20, 2019 in Cape Canaveral, Florida. The launch is another step in NASA's Commercial Crew Program that aims to return human spaceflight launches to the space station from American soil on America spacecraft and rockets. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
JOEL KOWSKY / NASA/AFP via Getty ImagesThis handout photo released by NASA shows a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket with Boeing's CST-100 Starliner spacecraft onboard on the launch pad at Space Launch Complex 41 ahead of the Orbital Flight Test mission, ON December 19, 2019, at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. - The uncrewed Orbital Flight Test will be Starliner's maiden mission to the International Space Station for NASA's Commercial Crew Program. (Photo by Joel KOWSKY / NASA / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / NASA / JOEL KOWSKY " - NO MARKETING - NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS (Photo by JOEL KOWSKY/NASA/AFP via Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Joe Burbank / Orlando SentinelA United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket streaks across the horizon at dawn in this view from the St. Johns River, east of Sanford, Fla., Friday, December 20, 2019. The rocket was carrying Boeing's Starliner crew capsule toward the International Space Station on an unpiloted test flight and was visible along the U.S. east coast. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Raedle/GettyCAPE CANAVERAL, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 20: The United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, topped by a Boeing CST-100 Starliner spacecraft, leaves a contrail as it heads to space after lift off from Space Launch Complex pad 41 on December 20, 2019 in Cape Canaveral, Florida. The launch is another step in NASA's Commercial Crew Program that aims to return human spaceflight launches to the space station from American soil on America spacecraft and rockets. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
JOEL KOWSKY / NASA/AFP via Getty ImagesThis handout photo released by NASA shows Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R), left, Tory Bruno, president and CEO of United Launch Alliance, and NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine watch as a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket with Boeings CST-100 Starliner spacecraft onbaord launches from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Friday, December 20, 2019, from NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Florida. - The uncrewed Orbital Flight Test launched at 6:36 a.m. EST and is Starliners maiden mission to the International Space Station for NASA's Commercial Crew Program. The mission will serve as an end-to-end test of the system's capabilities. (Photo by Joel KOWSKY / NASA / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / NASA / JOEL KOWSKY " - NO MARKETING - NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS (Photo by JOEL KOWSKY/NASA/AFP via Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
JOEL KOWSKY / NASA/AFP via Getty Images
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This handout photo released by NASA shows (fromL) Jim Chilton, senior vice president for Boeing Space and Launch, NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine and Tory Bruno, president and CEO of United Launch Alliance walking past a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket with Boeing's CST-100 Starliner spacecraft onboard on the launch pad at Space Launch Complex 41 ahead of the Orbital Flight Test mission, ON December 19, 2019, at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. - The uncrewed Orbital Flight Test will be Starliner's maiden mission to the International Space Station for NASA's Commercial Crew Program. (Photo by Joel KOWSKY / NASA / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / NASA / JOEL KOWSKY " - NO MARKETING - NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS (Photo by JOEL KOWSKY/NASA/AFP via Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
ExpandBy Richard Tribou | [email protected] | Orlando Sentinel
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The redo of the uncrewed test launch of the Boeing CST-100 Starliner to the International Space Station is now targeting a March 25 liftoff from Cape Canaveral.
The new date is a push of four days ahead of what was previously announced, but still part of a much longer delay because of issues with the first attempt of an orbital test flight to the ISS.
Dubbed Orbital Flight Test-2 (OFT-2), the new target date was determined after Boeing announced an opening on the launch docket as well as progress being made on the spacecraft’s hardware and software.
Boeing just delayed the planned STP-3 mission for the Space Force’s Space and Missile Systems Center to allow more evaluation of the STP Satellite-6 spacecraft.
So now Boeing has an Atlas V rocket lined up to liftoff from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station’s Space Launch Complex-41 and a window of availability for the Starliner to actually dock at the increasingly busy ISS.
The mission is the company’s second attempt to demonstrate the spacecraft’s ability to dock with the ISS, allowing it to move forward with a crewed test flight later in 2021, and eventually join SpaceX with the duty of ferrying astronauts to and from the station.
The first OFT mission launched and landed safely in December 2019, but never made it to the space station. A review of the problems with that flight forced NASA and Boeing to take a hard look at software, hardware and workflow.
SpaceX has already flown both its test missions and begun the first of six contracted crew rotation flights on its Crew Dragon, which last launched in December. Rotations on the space station last about six months.
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Boeing in the meantime had to address 80 problems found by a NASA-Boeing Independent Review Team with its 2019 test flight, which NASA designated a “high visibility close call.”
Now, Orbital Flight Test 2, which Boeing is doing at no cost to NASA, is ready to get the process of certification rolling again.
If successful, the flight will be followed by the Crewed Flight Test with NASA astronauts Nicole Mann, Mike Fincke and Barry Wilmore flying no earlier than June and then the first operational flight to the ISS, Starliner-1, with astronauts Sunita Williams, Josh Cassada, Jeanette Epps plus a fourth passenger yet to be announced flying no earlier than December 2021.