Boeing Starliner capsule’s first launch with NASA astronauts

Boeing’s Starliner capsule launched into orbit for the first time on Wednesday as the crewed flight makes its mission to the International Space Station.

The launch from Florida's Cape Canaveral Space Force Station was the third attempt for NASA test pilots Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams after rocket-related issues derailed previous attempts.

The two astronauts will test the spacecraft's systems and spend a week at the space station before returning to Earth, landing in the western U.S.

NASA contracted Boeing alongside Elon Musk's SpaceX to ferry astronauts to and from the space nation after their own space shuttles were retired.

If the mission is successful, NASA could authorize Boeing to start making regular trips to the ISS. SpaceX has been transporting astronauts since 2020.

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