Boeing will make history as two NASA astronauts take flight on a spacecraft for the first time. Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams will pilot the Starliner capsule on a test flight to the International Space Station on May 6, marking a significant milestone for the company as it aims to conduct regular flights to the ISS alongside SpaceX.
The long-delayed mission aims to demonstrate the safe transport of crews to and from low-Earth orbit. Previous setbacks due to software glitches and fuel valve issues have caused delays, but Wilmore assures that the team is ready for this pivotal moment in space exploration.
The astronauts completed a full rehearsal for launch day and are now focusing on final preparations and training before the mission. If successful, the crew will spend about a week at the ISS before returning to Earth.
Wilmore and Williams, both experienced astronauts and former Navy test pilots, have been selected for this historic mission. Wilmore, who has logged 178 days in space from previous missions, will command the Starliner capsule, while Williams, with 322 days in space, will serve as the pilot.
Source: www.nbcnews.com
