Boeing Starliner OFT-2 Mission: Live Launch Coverage

Introduction

The Boeing Starliner spacecraft is making its first crewed launch today on an Atlas 5 rocket. The Orbital Flight Test-2 (OFT-2) mission will demonstrate the end-to-end capabilities of the Starliner spacecraft and Atlas V rocket from launch to docking to a return to Earth in the desert of the western United States.

Launch Details

* Launch Date: May 19, 2023 * Launch Time: 6:54 a.m. EDT * Launch Site: Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida * Rocket: Atlas V * Spacecraft: Boeing Starliner

Mission Objectives

The OFT-2 mission has several objectives, including: * Demonstrate the Starliner spacecraft's ability to launch, dock with the International Space Station (ISS), and return to Earth safely. * Test the spacecraft's systems, including its life support systems, propulsion systems, and navigation systems. * Evaluate the spacecraft's performance in a variety of conditions, including microgravity and extreme temperatures.

Crew

The OFT-2 mission will be crewed by two NASA astronauts: * Barry "Butch" Wilmore, Commander * Sunita Williams, Pilot

Launch Coverage

You can watch the launch of the OFT-2 mission live on NASA Television and NASA's social media channels. A schedule of upcoming live events, including news conferences and mission updates, is available on the NASA website.

Significance of the Mission

The OFT-2 mission is a significant milestone in the development of the Starliner spacecraft. A successful mission will pave the way for the spacecraft to begin regular crewed flights to the ISS. The Starliner is one of two commercial spacecraft that NASA has contracted to transport astronauts to and from the ISS.