Starliner Docks with International Space Station
A Historic Mission
On June 6, 2023, the Boeing CST-100 Starliner crew ship successfully docked with the International Space Station (ISS) after a nearly 24-hour journey from Earth. This marked a crucial milestone in the development of Boeing's commercial crew transportation system, paving the way for future crewed missions to the ISS.
A Collaborative Effort
The Starliner mission was a testament to the collaboration between NASA and Boeing. NASA awarded Boeing a multibillion-dollar contract in 2014 to develop a commercial crew transportation system, and the Starliner is the first spacecraft to dock with the ISS under this contract.
Smooth Docking Procedure
Despite minor leaks that were detected during the approach, mission control determined that Starliner could safely dock with the ISS. The spacecraft docked at the forward-facing port of the station's Harmony module at 12:46 AM Eastern Time.
A Momentous Achievement
The Starliner docking is a major milestone for Boeing and NASA. It demonstrates the reliability and safety of Boeing's spacecraft and provides valuable data for future crewed missions to the ISS. The mission also marks the beginning of a new era in commercial spaceflight, as private companies like Boeing play an increasingly significant role in space exploration.
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