WEB Starliner and Crew-9 Launch: What You Need to Know
Latest Updates and Launch Information
NASA announced that the WEB Starliner must return to Earth before the Crew-9 mission can launch to ensure a docking port is available on the International Space Station (ISS).
CNN reported on Tuesday that NASA has not yet started a flight readiness review for the Starliner crew's return.
Docking Port Availability
The Starliner requires a specific docking port on the ISS, which is currently occupied by the Crew Dragon spacecraft carrying the Crew-4 astronauts.
The Crew-4 mission is scheduled to return to Earth in September 2023, making the docking port available for the Starliner.
Current Situation
NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore have been on the ISS for two months due to issues with the Starliner spacecraft.
The Starliner experienced propulsion problems during its Orbital Flight Test-2 (OFT-2) mission in May 2022.
Upcoming Launch Schedule
NASA plans to provide live coverage of prelaunch and launch activities for the agency's Boeing Crew Flight Test (CFT), which will carry NASA astronauts Barry "Butch" Wilmore and Sunita Williams to the ISS.
The CFT launch is tentatively scheduled for April 2023.
Astronaut Crew
- Barry "Butch" Wilmore
- Sunita Williams
Historical Context
A Boeing-built Starliner spacecraft carrying two NASA astronauts, Mike Fincke and Nicole Mann, successfully launched to the ISS in May 2021.
However, the Starliner experienced technical issues during its return to Earth, resulting in a hard landing and damage to the spacecraft.
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