In a pivotal moment for Boeing’s space endeavors, the CST-100 Starliner spacecraft, affectionately named ‘Calypso’, achieved a successful docking with the International Space Station (ISS). The spacecraft, carrying astronauts Barry ‘Butch’ Wilmore and Sunita ‘Suni’ Williams, completed its 26-hour journey to the ISS, autonomously docking while orbiting 250 miles above the southern Indian Ocean. This marks the first time astronauts have traveled aboard the Starliner, following a series of delays and technical setbacks.Despite encountering earlier issues with helium leaks affecting the guidance-control jet thrusters, the mission proceeded without compromising the safety of the crew. NASA was able to troubleshoot and restore most of the thrusters, enabling the Starliner to dock during the next available window. The astronauts are expected to stay aboard the ISS for eight days, during which they will test the spacecraft’s integration with the orbital laboratory and its hatch opening and closing operations.The mission’s success is a significant step towards certifying the Starliner for regular astronaut missions to the ISS, positioning Boeing as a potential alternative to SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule for transporting astronauts. The spacecraft is scheduled to return to Earth on June 14, completing a comprehensive test of its capabilities and safety.
Key points
- Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner, named ‘Calypso’, successfully docked with the ISS, carrying astronauts Barry ‘Butch’ Wilmore and Sunita ‘Suni’ Williams.
- The mission overcame earlier propulsion system issues and helium leaks, with NASA restoring most of the thrusters.
- Astronauts are set to spend eight days on the ISS, with the Starliner scheduled to return to Earth on June 14.
