Starliner "Calypso" and her crew sail to the I.S.S.

Cape Canaveral S.F.S., FL. – On June 5, 2024 the Boeing Starliner “Calypso” capsule is on its way into history with the flight of the Crew Flight Test 1 (C.F.T) mission. Liftoff came at 10:52 AM EDT from Launch Complex 41

Delayed several times over the past few years for technical issues, this was an historic flight to the International Space Station (I.S.S.) that was seen across the Space Coast skies.

This flight is a test mission for Starliner and its entire system to test all of the flight capabilities and the all the work needed to be a fully certified spacecraft for human flight.

A few hours before flight, Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams left the astronaut ready area and caravanned to Launch Complex – 41 where they were helped aboard the Starliner in preparation for flight. Wilmore and Williams

In a statement from NASA: “Two bold NASA astronauts are well on their way on this historic first test flight of a brand-new spacecraft,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. “Boeing’s Starliner marks a new chapter of American exploration. Human spaceflight is a daring task – but that’s why it’s worth doing. It’s an exciting time for NASA, our commercial partners, and the future of exploration. Go Starliner, Go Butch and Suni!”

In a statement from Boeing: “With Starliner’s launch, separation from the rocket, and arrival on orbit, Boeing’s Crew Flight Test is right on track,” said Mark Nappi, vice president and program manager of Boeing’s Commercial Crew Program. “Everyone is focused on giving Suni and Butch a safe, comfortable, ride and performing a successful test mission from start to finish.”

The flight to the I.S.S. is expected to take little over 24 hours and once Starliner arrives at the orbiting laboratory, the capsule will dock at the Harmony portion of the station. The crew is planning to stay on station for at least one week before returning to Earth.

Once the mission is complete, Calypso will undock from the I.S.S and make its way back to Earth landing in the desert in the Western United States.