Mission Objective
The Boeing Orbital Flight Test-1 (Boe-OFT 1) was the first uncrewed orbital mission of the CST-100 Starliner spacecraft, conducted as part of NASA's Commercial Crew Program. The mission aimed to demonstrate the Starliner's capabilities in launch, autonomous orbital operations, rendezvous, docking, re-entry, and landing. A successful test would have paved the way for subsequent crewed missions to the International Space Station (ISS).
While the Starliner achieved several test objectives, an anomaly with the Mission Elapsed Time (MET) clock prevented it from docking with the ISS as planned.
Mission Highlights
Boe-OFT 1 launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Space Launch Complex 41 on December 20, 2019, at 6:36 a.m. EST, aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket. Approximately 31 minutes into the flight, an issue with the spacecraft's MET clock caused the Starliner to perform an incorrect orbital insertion burn, placing it into an unintended orbit and precluding a rendezvous with the ISS.
Despite this anomaly, the mission team conducted additional tests during the spacecraft's time in orbit to gather valuable data on the Starliner's systems. After approximately two days in space, the Starliner performed a deorbit burn and successfully landed at White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico on December 22, 2019, at 5:58 a.m. MST, marking the first land touchdown of a human-rated capsule in U.S. history.
Payload
The Starliner carried an Anthropomorphic Test Device (ATD) named "Rosie the Rocketeer," equipped with sensors to collect data on the forces experienced during the mission. Additionally, the spacecraft transported approximately 600 pounds of cargo, including supplies and equipment intended for the ISS crew.
Prelaunch Milestones
10/04/19 – Starliner spacecraft arrives at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station
11/21/19 – Integrated systems testing completed
12/06/19 – Flight readiness review
12/17/19 – Launch readiness review
Launch
December 20, 2019; 6:36 a.m. EST
Launch Pad: Space Launch Complex 41 (SLC-41)
Launch Vehicle: Atlas V N22
Spacecraft: CST-100 Starliner
Firing Control: United Launch Alliance Launch Control Center
Orbit
Achieved Orbit: Approximately 116 by 230 miles
Inclination: 51.6 degrees
Duration: Approximately 2 days
Distance Traveled: Data not specified
Landing
December 22, 2019; 5:58 a.m. MST
White Sands Space Harbor, New Mexico
Recovery Operations: Conducted by Boeing and NASA recovery teams
