Subsystem experts and engineers at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center activate Starliner ahead of launch, while crew prepares for liftoff
Boeing subsystem experts and engineers took their positions on console in Boeing’s Mission Control Center (BMCC) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida to power up and activate the Starliner spacecraft ahead of the Crew Flight Test (CFT).
Powerup operations began at 3:30 a.m. on May 31, and all systems are looking good. Actions included a lightning retest verification and interior configuration for launch, such as switch verification and cover installation on the spacecraft’s Instrument and Control Panel (I&CP).
Teammates working in shifts will continuously monitor of the health of spacecraft until quiescent mode while Starliner is docked to the International Space Station. Commanding of the vehicle will come from the BMCC team until handover to Starliner mission controllers in Houston at about L-3 hours, 55 minutes on launch day.
Also on May 31, CFT commander Butch Wilmore and pilot Suni Williams climbed into the Starliner, stacked on the Atlas V rocket, to perform communications checks and get familiar with new and late-stow cargo. Starliner’s hatch will be closed this evening ahead of Pad Team A’s arrival to the launch pad in preparation for liftoff Saturday, June 1, at 12:25 p.m. ET.