Boeing's Starliner test launch is among the most important missions of the year for the company and NASA. The real test will come after the Starliner spacecraft separates from the Atlas V rocket and begins freeflying in space. A safe landing could pave the way for Boeing to launch the first Starliner mission with astronauts on board later this year. While NASA typically pays companies to take cargo to and from the space station, this flight will come at no cost. But rather than taking the lead on design, development and testing of a new spacecraft, NASA decided on a novel approach.

Source: CNN August 02, 2021 18:22 UTC