Boeing’s Starliner capsule with two astronauts on board is set to dock at the International Space Station Thursday after it launched Wednesday afternoon following numerous delays.
The aim of the test flight is to help validate the transportation system, launch pad, rocket, spacecraft, in-orbit operations capabilities and return to Earth with astronauts aboard as the agency prepares to certify Starliner for rotational missions to the space station.
NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are aboard the spacecraft, which was launched on a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket. The Starliner and crew will remain at the space station for about a week.
The original Starliner mission was set to take place May 6 but was scrubbed due to a valve problem, delaying the historic takeoff. On May 14, the mission was delayed again, this time over a propellant leak and additional testing.
The successful launch Wednesday marks a win for the embattled aircraft manufacturer.
The Starliner was originally expected to land at the ISS at 12:15 p.m. EDT. Due to new leaks and thruster problems, the docking has been delayed.
Watch the video above.