NASA confirmed on Sunday that the Boeing Orbital Flight Test-2 (OFT-2) mission to the International Space Station will launch on August 3.

Digital Trends said Boeing will launch its Starliner spacecraft by 1:20 p.m. (ET). 

In statement published Saturday, Squadron officials said that the convection coverage is predicted to be the most extensive following the launch window. Nonetheless, owing to scattered rains and thunderstorms in the region, a weather-related violation is conceivable, especially near the conclusion of the count.

Boeing Orbital Flight Test
(Photo: Joel Kowsky/NASA via Getty Images)
CAPE CANAVERAL, FL - DECEMBER 18: A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket with Boeings CST-100 Starliner spacecraft onboard is seen illuminated by spotlights on the launch pad at Space Launch Complex 41 ahead of the Orbital Flight Test mission, Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2019 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The uncrewed Orbital Flight Test will be Starliners maiden mission to the International Space Station for NASA's Commercial Crew Program. The mission, currently targeted for a 6:26 a.m. EST launch on Dec. 20, will serve as an end-to-end test of the system's capabilities.

Starliner Launch

NASA said that Starliner will launch from Space Launch Complex-41 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket. Starliner will conduct its orbital insertion burn around 30 minutes after launch, kicking off its daylong journey to the space station.

The spacecraft will arrive at the International Space Station on August 4 with more than 400 pounds of NASA cargo and crew supplies, according to the space agency's official Twitter account. It will also bring back to Earth reusable Nitrogen Oxygen Recharge System tanks that give station crew members breathing air and other items worth more than 550 pounds of cargo.

OFT-2 will showcase the Starliner spacecraft and Atlas V rocket's end-to-end capabilities, from launch to landing onto a desert in the western United States, NASA said. The space agency added that they will use the data from the uncrewed trip to certify Boeing's crew transportation system for regular flights to and from the space station.

ALSO READ: Boeing's Starliner Set to Launch this Week: Here's How to Catch its Orbital Test Flight

Second Launch

Space.com said Boeing and NASA's Commercial Crew Program agreed to use Starliner to fly operational flights from Earth to International Space Station in 2014. However, the Starliner has been unable to reach the ISS due to a series of difficulties.

Its first uncrewed orbital flying mission in 2019 did not proceed as anticipated, necessitating a second attempt before deploying astronauts for the crewed flight test.

Due to continuing software tests, the second launch has been delayed since late last year. Space.com said the launch was initially set for Friday. But Science Times said that the launch was postponed when the new Russian module, the Nauka Multipurpose Laboratory Module, suddenly tilted ISS.

The space station was thrown off course by 45 degrees. It was, however, relocated to its original position.

Boeing and NASA have agreed not to fly NASA's Orbital Flight Test-2 mission on Friday, according to the space agency.

The adjustment, according to NASA, will give the International Space Station crew more time to inspect the newly arriving Roscosmos Nauka module and ensure that the station is ready for Starliner's arrival.

How To Watch

The space agency will broadcast the launch live on NASA TV at 12:30 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, Republic World said. A post-launch news conference is scheduled for 3:30 p.m., with continuous coverage planned until Starliner orbital insertion. The general public may also check out the NASA app, and the agency's website for the live coverage.

RELATED ARTICLE: NASA to Relocate Crew Dragon Port on Space Station for Boeing's CST-100's Arrival; Here's How to Watch

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