Boeing Starliner to Fly to ISS Without Crew
NASA and Boeing have jointly decided that the upcoming mission of the CST-100 Starliner spacecraft to the International Space Station (ISS) will not carry any astronauts. Instead, this flight will serve as a cargo delivery mission, marking yet another twist in the Starliner’s tumultuous journey towards becoming a reliable crew vehicle. The move comes after a series of technical hiccups and delays that have plagued the program, making it safer and smarter to run the next test flight without risking human life.
Why No Humans On Board?
NASA and Boeing are taking a cautious approach. After technical issues in earlier missions, they want to ensure that the Starliner is truly ready to safely transport astronauts. This unmanned mission will test the spacecraft’s ability to dock with the ISS, deliver cargo, and safely return. It’s a crucial step, but it does mean those sci-fi dreams of a quick and easy commute to space are still on hold. Sorry, would-be astronauts—you’ll have to keep training a bit longer.
Let’s be honest: at this point, the Starliner’s story feels like a suspenseful drama series—just when you think it’s ready for prime time, there’s a plot twist. But hey, better safe than sorry when it comes to space travel! Here’s hoping this next mission brings more answers than questions.
Sources:
universemagazine.com