The new Boeing Starliner capsule was due to descend back to Earth on Wednesday from its first uncrewed journey to the International Space Station (ISS), completing a high-stakes test flight as NASA's next vehicle for carrying humans to orbit.
File photo: Boeing's CST-100 Starliner capsule launches aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket on a second un-crewed test flight to the International Space Station, at Cape Canaveral, Florida, U.S. May 19, 2022. REUTERS/Steve NesiusStarliner capsule was due to descend back to Earth on Wednesday from its first uncrewed journey to the International Space Station , completing a high-stakes test flight as NASA's next vehicle for carrying humans to orbit.
joint venture United Launch Alliance and achieved its main objective, a rendezvous with the ISS, despite four of its multiple onboard thrusters malfunctioning along the way. A successful mission would move the Starliner, beset by repeated delays and costly engineering setbacks, a major step closer to providing NASA with a second reliable avenue for ferrying astronauts to and from the space station.
Much is also on the line for Boeing, as the Chicago-based company scrambles to climb out of successive crises in its jetliner business and space-defense unit. The Starliner program alone has cost the company nearly $600 million over the past 2 1/2 years.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Teams in New Mexico gear up for Wednesday landing of Boeing Starliner capsule (photos)Starliner will touch down at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, if all goes according to plan.
Read more »
How to watch Boeing Starliner return to Earth on WednesdayYou can tune in and watch Starliner's return to Earth later this week, as the space capsule returns from its debut trip to the ISS.
Read more »
Boeing Changes Will Make Planes Safer, Executive SaysBoeing's safety chief said changes under way at the plane maker following two 737 MAX crashes should prevent engineers from designing another automated cockpit system without sufficient safeguards
Read more »
Teams in New Mexico gear up for Wednesday landing of Boeing Starliner capsule (photos)Starliner will touch down at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, if all goes according to plan.
Read more »