Boeing, the aerospace giant, is gearing up for its inaugural astronaut launch at the dawn of June, following weeks of meticulous scrutiny and a series of challenges with its Starliner capsule. The mission aims to safely transport two test pilots to the International Space Station (ISS), marking a significant milestone in the company’s quest to ferry astronauts to space.

The journey to this moment has been fraught with setbacks. In early May, during the first launch attempt, engineers detected a small helium leak in the Starliner’s propulsion system. This issue forced a delay, but subsequent reviews revealed that the capsule could still fly safely with the leak. The leak, suspected to originate from a defective rubber seal no larger than a shirt button, poses minimal risk even if it worsens during flight. The rest of the capsule’s seals passed inspection, providing confidence for the upcoming mission.

Boeing’s Starliner capsule has undergone two previous uncrewed test flights in 2019 and 2022. However, both missions were empty, serving as dress rehearsals for the real thing. The first uncrewed flight encountered software and other flaws, necessitating a repeat performance. Now, with the propulsion system leak addressed, the capsule is poised for its third test flight, this time with human pilots aboard.

Interestingly, the leak investigation led to the discovery of another issue: a “design vulnerability” in the propulsion system. In the unlikely event of multiple failures, the team has devised contingency methods to safely guide the capsule out of orbit at the end of the mission. Safety remains paramount, and NASA Associate Administrator Jim Free emphasized that they won’t proceed until they are certain of the capsule’s safety.

Boeing’s Starliner capsule has faced delays over the years, making this mission all the more critical. SpaceX has been successfully launching crews to the ISS since 2020, while Boeing’s capsule has lagged behind. Now, with the propulsion system leak resolved and safety measures in place, the countdown to June 1 begins. The astronauts, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, are ready to embark on their historic journey to the ISS, marking a significant step forward in commercial crewed spaceflight.

As Boeing prepares for its astronaut launch, the company’s engineers and managers remain vigilant. They recognize that this is a test flight—a learning opportunity—and they continue to refine their systems. The Starliner’s journey to the ISS will be closely watched by space enthusiasts and industry experts alike, eager to witness the next chapter in human space exploration.