- Sunita Williams reaches the ISS aboard Boeing’s new Starliner capsule.
- Successful docking highlights Starliner’s flight-worthiness and competition with SpaceX.
- Williams and fellow astronaut Barry Wilmore will stay on the ISS for eight days.
Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams has reached the International Space Station (ISS) aboard Boeing’s new Starliner capsule, named ‘Calypso.’ Williams celebrated her arrival with a dance during a welcome party near the docking area. This mission also included NASA astronaut Barry Wilmore.
The CST-100 Starliner launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida and docked at the ISS after a 27-hour flight, despite facing helium propulsion issues. The capsule successfully docked at 1:34 p.m. EDT on Thursday, showcasing its flight-worthiness and increasing competition with SpaceX.
Upon arrival, Williams and Wilmore performed routine checks and pressurized the passage between the capsule and the ISS. The ISS crew greeted them with hugs and handshakes. The astronauts will stay on the ISS for about eight days before returning to Earth.
Developed by Boeing under a $4.2 billion contract with NASA, this mission marks the Starliner’s first crewed test flight. It is a critical step before the capsule’s certification for routine missions. Both Williams and Wilmore have extensive space experience, with over 500 combined days in space.
Hugs all around! The Expedition 71 crew greets Butch Wilmore and @Astro_Suni aboard @Space_Station after #Starliner docked at 1:34 p.m. ET on June 6. pic.twitter.com/wQZAYy2LGH
— Boeing Space (@BoeingSpace) June 6, 2024
