Boeing launches NASA astronauts for the first time after years of delays

SUMMARY

Boeing's Starliner successfully launched astronauts for the first time, joining SpaceX as NASA's second crew transport. NASA test pilots Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams blasted off from Cape Canaveral, Florida, headed to the International Space Station for a weeklong mission. This follows years of delays and two prior failed attempts. The launch marks a milestone for Boeing, which faced numerous technical issues since the Starliner's initial test flight in 2019. The astronauts will test the spacecraft's systems during the trip. If successful, NASA plans to use both Boeing and SpaceX for future missions starting next year.