Boeing's Starliner Is Finally in Orbit, Heading to ISS

pcmag.com:

Boeing successfully launched its CST-100 Starliner spacecraft into low Earth orbit, where it will spend 24 hours before docking with the International Space Station.

The long-awaited, reusable Starliner spacecraft lifted off Thursday atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket at 6:54 p.m. ET from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral in Florida.

"I am so proud of the NASA, Boeing, and United Launch Alliance teams who have worked so hard to see Starliner on its way to the International Space Station," NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said in a statement(Opens in a new window). "Through adversity, our teams have continued to innovate for the benefit of our nation and all of humanity."

Assuming all goes well, the uncrewed Starliner will dock with the ISS's Harmony module around 7:10 p.m. today, with the Expedition 67 crew expected to open its hatch at 11:45 a.m. Saturday. Coverage will air live on NASA Television, the NASA app, and via the agency's website.

"Boeing's Starliner is a symbol of perseverance and pride—designed, built, tested, and flown by a team of people who are committed to their mission of safely and reliably transporting astronauts," company CEO Ted Colbert said(Opens in a new window). 'They will remain laser-focused on the spacecraft and its performance throughout this flight test."

Starliner is carrying more than 800 pounds of cargo—including some 500 pounds of NASA supplies like food and crew preference items. It's also loaded with a commemorative US flag and various mission patches, as well as several "unique" items from 14 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU).

Also along for the ride is Rosie the Rocketeer, an anthropomorphic test device that represents "people who have shown grit