Boeing Starliner stars in Aurora video

Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner spacecraft successfully launched on June 5 aboard United Launch Alliance’s Atlas V rocket, delivering NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore safely to the International Space Station (ISS) the next day. This mission, Starliner’s first manned flight, was originally planned to last just over a week. However, in recent days, NASA announced that the spacecraft will remain at the ISS until June 22, when separation planning and operations will be completed, and some engine tests will be carried out. These engine tests are intended to evaluate some of the engine problems experienced during Starliner’s final approach to the ISS on June 6.

ISS astronaut Matthew Dominick shared some images of the Starliner against a stunning aurora backdrop. These images include a long-shot video taken from inside SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft, which docked with the ISS in March. Dominick stated that it is also possible to see Williams and Wilmore illuminated with flashlights inside the Starliner. In another shot, the aurora appears to be emanating from the spacecraft itself. “The timing was perfect to get Aurora aligned nicely with Starliner’s service module thrusters,” said Dominick. he commented.

Starliner’s long-term missions

Once the Starliner is fully certified, likely after this test flight, NASA will have another vehicle to carry astronauts and cargo to the space station, alongside SpaceX’s Crew Dragon. Crew Dragon has been carrying astronauts into orbit since 2020.

“We continue to understand Starliner’s capabilities to ensure it remains attached to the ISS on a six-month mission,” Steve Stich, NASA’s Commercial Crew Program manager, wrote in a recent post on the agency’s website. said. Williams and Wilmore will perform additional operations to gain a better understanding of spacecraft handling and hatch operations, repeat “safe haven” tests in which astronauts retreat to their spacecraft in emergency situations, and evaluate piloting using the vehicle’s windshield, Stich said.

Meanwhile, impressive aurora images from the Boeing Starliner spacecraft once again reveal the beauty and complexity of space exploration and technologies. This mission, which has achieved great success both scientifically and visually, constitutes an important step for future space missions. As a result, Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft left behind an important milestone with this first manned flight to the ISS and made a promising start for future missions.