Starliner launch - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. Starliner is a crewed spacecraft developed by Boeing for NASA's Commercial Crew Program. It is designed to transport astronauts to and from the International Space Station (ISS).
- 2. The Starliner spacecraft is launched into space atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.
- 3. The launch sequence begins with the ignition of the Atlas V rocket's main engines, followed by the release of the solid rocket boosters to provide additional thrust for liftoff.
- 4. As the rocket ascends into space, the Starliner spacecraft separates from the rocket's second stage and begins its journey to the ISS.
- 5. The Starliner spacecraft is capable of carrying up to seven astronauts to the ISS for missions lasting up to 210 days.
- 6. During its journey to the ISS, the Starliner spacecraft performs a series of orbital maneuvers to rendezvous with the space station and dock with it.
- 7. Once docked, the astronauts aboard the Starliner spacecraft can transfer to the ISS to conduct scientific research and maintenance tasks.
- 8. The Starliner spacecraft is equipped with a variety of safety features, including launch abort systems and redundant systems to ensure the safety of the crew.
- 9. After completing its mission at the ISS, the Starliner spacecraft returns to Earth, reentering the atmosphere and landing safely in the western United States.
- 10. The successful launch and return of the Starliner spacecraft demonstrate the capabilities of commercial spaceflight providers like Boeing to support NASA's human space exploration goals.