NASA is gearing up for another milestone in space exploration with the upcoming Boeing Crew Flight Test. This test will carry NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams to and from the International Space Station (ISS). And guess what? NASA is providing live coverage of the entire mission, from launch activities to docking at the ISS.
Scheduled for Wednesday, June 5, at 10:52 a.m. EDT, the ULA Atlas V rocket and Boeing Starliner spacecraft will blast off from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The spacecraft will dock to the forward-facing port of the ISS’s Harmony module on Thursday, June 6, at approximately 12:15 p.m.
Wilmore and Williams will spend about a week at the ISS, conducting tests on the Starliner spacecraft and its subsystems. This is an important step for NASA as they work towards certifying the transportation system for future missions to the ISS. The Commercial Crew Program aims to make space travel more accessible and cost-effective through partnerships with American private industry.
Now, let’s talk about NASA’s extensive coverage of this mission. Starting at 6:45 a.m. EDT on June 5, you can catch the launch coverage on NASA+, NASA Television, the NASA app, YouTube, and the agency’s website. The launch itself will take place at 10:52 a.m., followed by continuous coverage leading up to docking, hatch opening, and welcome remarks. Make sure to tune in for the postlaunch news conference at 12:30 p.m., where key figures such as NASA Administrator Bill Nelson and Vice President and Program Manager of Commercial Crew Program, Boeing, Mark Nappi, will provide updates and insights.
Media personnel will have the opportunity to ask questions during the news conferences, either in person or via phone. Limited auditorium space will be available for in-person participation, so it’s important to contact the Kennedy newsroom in advance to secure a spot.
On June 6, the day of docking, coverage will resume at 9:30 a.m. on NASA+, the NASA app, YouTube, NASA Television, and the agency’s website. The docking itself is targeted for 12:15 p.m., followed by hatch opening at 2 p.m. and welcome remarks at 2:20 p.m. The post-docking news conference will take place at NASA’s Johnson Space Center at 3:30 p.m., featuring participants such as NASA Associate Administrator Jim Free and Manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, Steve Stich.
All these times are estimates and could change based on real-time operations. Stay updated by following the space station blog for the latest information.
But what if you can’t watch the entire coverage? Don’t worry, NASA has you covered. Audio-only coverage of the news conferences and launch activities will be available on the NASA “V” circuits. Plus, NASA’s Launch Information Service and Amateur Television System will provide launch audio on specific radio frequencies.
If you prefer a visual experience, you can catch a live video feed of the launch from Space Launch Complex-41 on NASA Kennedy’s YouTube channel. The feed will be uninterrupted until four hours prior to launch, when the prelaunch broadcast begins on NASA Television.
For additional information and updates, visit NASA’s website before, during, and after the launch. They will be providing live streaming, blog updates, on-demand videos, and photos of the mission.
Are you unable to attend the launch in person? No problem! You can still experience the excitement virtually. NASA’s virtual guest program offers registered attendees curated launch resources, notifications about related opportunities or changes, and even a stamp for the NASA virtual guest passport following the launch.
Lastly, don’t forget to engage with NASA and fellow space enthusiasts on social media. Use the hashtags #Starliner and #NASASocial to let people know you’re following the mission. Tag and follow NASA and other relevant accounts on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for more updates and behind-the-scenes content.
If you prefer Spanish-language coverage, NASA en Español is at your service. Check out their X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube pages for additional mission coverage.
This Boeing Crew Flight Test is not only an important step for NASA and the Commercial Crew Program but also a significant achievement in human spaceflight history. It paves the way for future missions to the Moon and eventually Mars. So, mark your calendars, set your reminders, and get ready to witness another remarkable moment in space exploration!
For NASA’s launch blog and more information about the mission, visit:
https://www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew
https://stmdailynews.com/category/science
