Boeing, NASA to launch critical Starliner flight in May 2024

Test flight aims to demonstrate spacecraft's readiness for astronaut missions

Launch targeted for May 6, 2024, from Cape Canaveral, Florida

Boeing and NASA have set a target date of May 6, 2024, for the launch of the first-ever crewed mission of the Starliner spacecraft. The uncrewed flight will be a critical test to demonstrate the spacecraft's readiness to carry astronauts to and from the International Space Station (ISS).

The Starliner spacecraft will launch on a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida. The launch is scheduled for 12:25 p.m. EDT.

During the test flight, the Starliner spacecraft will perform a series of maneuvers, including docking with the ISS and returning to Earth. The mission is expected to last about five days.

If the test flight is successful, it will pave the way for the first crewed mission of the Starliner spacecraft, which is expected to take place later in 2024.