Boeing Starliner Spacecraft Set to Launch After Years of Delays

Liftoff Scheduled for Today at 12:25 PM EDT

Mission Will Mark First Human Flight on Boeing's Starliner

After a decade of development and years of delays, the time has finally arrived. Boeing's Starliner spacecraft is set to take off today, marking a major milestone in the company's long-awaited journey to human spaceflight.

Liftoff is scheduled for 12:25 pm EDT (16:25 GMT) from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The mission, dubbed Starliner-1, will be the first human flight on Boeing's Starliner spacecraft and the first crewed spaceflight to launch from U.S. soil since the end of the Space Shuttle program in 2011.

The Starliner spacecraft will be carrying two NASA astronauts, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams. The mission is expected to last seven days, during which time the astronauts will conduct a series of experiments and tests. The crew will also spend time working on the International Space Station (ISS).

The launch of the Starliner spacecraft is a major step forward for Boeing's human spaceflight program. The company has been working on the Starliner for years, and the spacecraft has faced numerous delays. However, the upcoming launch is a sign that the spacecraft is finally ready to take astronauts to space.

The launch of the Starliner spacecraft is also a significant milestone for NASA. The space agency has been relying on Russian Soyuz spacecraft to transport astronauts to the ISS since the end of the Space Shuttle program. The Starliner spacecraft will provide NASA with a second option for transporting astronauts to the ISS, which will increase the agency's flexibility and safety.

The launch of the Starliner spacecraft is scheduled to be broadcast live on NASA TV. The coverage will begin at 11:00 am EDT (15:00 GMT). You can also follow the launch updates on the NASA website and social media channels.