The first crew of the Boeing Starliner spacecraft, consisting of NASA astronauts Barry Wilmore, Mike Fincke, and Russian cosmonaut Sergey Kud-Sverchkov, will be staying at the International Space Station (ISS) until late June. This exciting news was announced by NASA and Boeing on Wednesday, March 24th, 2021.
The Boeing Starliner spacecraft, also known as the CST-100 Starliner, is a reusable spacecraft designed to transport astronauts to and from the ISS. It is part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, which aims to provide safe, reliable, and cost-effective access to low-Earth orbit. This program also marks the first time since the retirement of the Space Shuttle in 2011 that American astronauts will be launched from American soil.
The first crewed flight of the Boeing Starliner, called the Orbital Flight Test-2 (OFT-2), was originally planned for April 2021. However, due to unexpected delays in the production and testing of the spacecraft, NASA and Boeing have decided to extend the duration of the first crew’s stay at the ISS. This will allow the crew to conduct additional research and maintenance activities while at the station.
The decision to extend the crew’s stay at the ISS is a testament to the confidence that NASA and Boeing have in the capabilities of the Starliner spacecraft. It also demonstrates their commitment to ensuring the safety and success of the mission. The additional time at the ISS will allow the crew to fully test the spacecraft’s systems and procedures, ensuring that it is ready for future crewed missions.
The first crew of the Boeing Starliner is no stranger to space travel. All three members have extensive experience in spaceflight, with a combined total of over 500 days in space. They will be joining the current ISS crew, consisting of NASA astronaut Kate Rubins, Russian cosmonauts Sergey Ryzhikov and Sergey Kud-Sverchkov, and Japanese astronaut Soichi Noguchi. Together, they will continue to conduct scientific experiments and maintain the ISS, which has been continuously occupied by humans for over 20 years.
The extended stay of the first crew of the Boeing Starliner at the ISS will also provide valuable data and insights for future missions. This includes the upcoming Crew-2 mission, which is scheduled to launch in April 2021 and will be the second operational flight of the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft. The data collected from the Starliner’s extended stay will help NASA and Boeing make any necessary adjustments and improvements for future missions.
The successful launch and docking of the Boeing Starliner spacecraft will mark a significant milestone in the Commercial Crew Program and the future of space exploration. It will also pave the way for more frequent and cost-effective access to space, allowing for more scientific research and technological advancements.
The first crew of the Boeing Starliner is excited and ready for their extended stay at the ISS. “We are looking forward to spending more time at the ISS and working alongside our fellow astronauts and cosmonauts,” said NASA astronaut Barry Wilmore. “This will be a great opportunity for us to continue our research and contribute to the success of the mission.”
The extended stay of the first crew of the Boeing Starliner at the ISS is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the teams at NASA and Boeing. It also highlights the strong partnership between the two organizations and their commitment to advancing human spaceflight. As we continue to push the boundaries of space exploration, the first crew of the Boeing Starliner will play a crucial role in paving the way for future missions and discoveries.
In conclusion, the extended stay of the first crew of the Boeing Starliner at the ISS until late June is a significant development in the Commercial Crew Program. It demonstrates the confidence and commitment of NASA and Boeing in the capabilities of the Starliner spacecraft and its potential to revolutionize human spaceflight. We look forward to the successful completion of the mission and the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.
