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Following two earlier failed efforts, Boeing (NYSE:BA) and NASA efficiently launched the long-delayed Starliner house capsule on Thursday on a check flight with out astronauts.
The United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket launched the craft from Kennedy Area Middle in Florida at 6:54 p.m. ET for a one-day cruise to the Worldwide Area station.
The ship is scheduled to check a number of docking applied sciences that Boeing (BA) was unable to carry out throughout a 2019 flight that was lower quick by software program flaws.
Boeing (BA) returned a distinct capsule to the launch pad final summer time, however corroded valves halted the countdown, leading to one other spherical of repairs; this system’s many delays and repairs have value the corporate ~$600M.
If Starliner reaches the house station and all the things else goes effectively, 2-3 NASA check pilots may fly later this yr or early subsequent yr.
NASA is keen for a second transport choice for its industrial crew program, however Boeing (BA) is taking part in catch-up to Elon Musk’s SpaceX (SPACE), which has flown 4 astronaut rotations to the house station, most just lately on April 27.
SpaceX reportedly is elevating cash in a brand new funding spherical that might worth the corporate at $125B.
