Boeing’s Starliner crew capsule finally made it into orbit today after facing numerous delays and setbacks. The spacecraft, carrying two astronauts, successfully launched from Cape Canaveral, ending a streak of unfortunate events that had plagued previous launch attempts.
The mission, which is far from over, will see the crew rendezvous with the International Space Station before returning to Earth. This successful launch comes after previous attempts were scrubbed due to technical issues with the rocket and ground computers.
Boeing’s Starliner has had a tumultuous journey to space, with previous non-crewed launches ending in near catastrophes. Despite the setbacks, the current mission with astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore is progressing smoothly, with the spacecraft expected to reach the ISS soon.
In contrast, Boeing’s rival SpaceX has achieved multiple successful missions with its Crew Dragon capsule, highlighting the competition in the space industry. The crew still has tasks to complete before returning to Earth, but if all goes well, the first operational mission could launch in early 2025.
While the Starliner has earned the nickname “Calamity Capsule,” the current mission’s success may soon change that. With the spacecraft on its way to the ISS, the crew can look forward to completing their tasks and safely returning home.