Boeing Starliner's Launch Preparation and Upcoming Crew Flight Test

Tentative Launch Date and Technical Issue

The highly anticipated Crewed Flight Test of Boeing's Starliner spacecraft to the International Space Station (ISS) was initially scheduled for May 6, 2024. However, a recent issue with an oxygen valve on the United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket has necessitated a postponement.

Postponed Launch Attempt and Pending Resolution

Following the unsuccessful first launch attempt on May 8 due to a valve problem, ULA has been working diligently to resolve the issue. The launch campaign officially commences 45 days before liftoff, with ULA preparing the Atlas V at Space Launch Complex 41.

New Launch Window and Crew Access Tower

The launch of the ULA Atlas V rocket carrying the Boeing Starliner is now targeted for 12:25 pm on a date yet to be determined. Notably, this mission will utilize the recently constructed Starliner crew access tower, the first such facility built along Florida's Space Coast since the Apollo era.