• The Boeing Starliner spacecraft is set to launch its first crewed flight to the International Space Station (ISS) on May 19, 2023. The mission, called Crew Flight Test (CFT), will carry two NASA astronauts, Barry "Butch" Wilmore and Suni Williams, to the ISS for a roughly two-week stay. This will be the first time the Starliner spacecraft has carried humans into space, marking a significant milestone for Boeing's commercial crew program.

• The two astronauts arrived at the launch pad at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on May 17, 2023, two days before the scheduled launch. They were accompanied by NASA and Boeing officials, who helped the astronauts board the Starliner spacecraft and complete final pre-launch checks. The Starliner is currently undergoing final preparations, including fueling and systems checks, to ensure it is ready for the upcoming mission.

• The Starliner's successful launch and safe return of the astronauts to Earth will be a critical step in establishing the spacecraft as a reliable and viable option for transporting NASA astronauts to and from the ISS. This mission will also help to diversify the options available for human spaceflight, as the Starliner will join SpaceX's Crew Dragon as a commercial crew vehicle serving the ISS.