NASA Opens Media Accreditation for Boeing Crew Flight Test to the International Space Station
NASA has announced that media accreditation is now open for the launch of NASA’s Boeing Crew Flight Test to the International Space Station (ISS). This mission will mark Boeing’s first crewed mission with the Starliner spacecraft. The launch is scheduled to take place on Monday, April 22, from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
The crew for this historic mission will consist of NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams. They will be launched aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket and will dock at the ISS, where they will stay for up to two weeks. The primary objective of this mission is to test the end-to-end capabilities of the Starliner system, including launch, docking, and return to Earth.
Once the mission is successfully completed, NASA will begin the final certification process for the Starliner spacecraft and its systems, paving the way for future crewed missions to the ISS. This is a significant milestone in NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, which aims to launch astronauts on American rockets and spacecraft from American soil.
In addition to covering the launch, U.S. media outlets have the opportunity to apply for a photo opportunity during the rollout of the Starliner spacecraft from Boeing’s Commercial Cargo and Processing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This behind-the-scenes access will provide journalists with a unique perspective on the preparations leading up to the mission.
International media outlets without U.S. citizenship who are interested in covering the launch must apply for media accreditation by Thursday, March 14. U.S. media outlets interested in the photo opportunity of the Starliner rollout must apply by Thursday, March 21. Finally, U.S. media outlets interested in covering the launch itself must apply for credentials by Sunday, April 7. All accreditation requests must be submitted online through NASA’s media accreditation website.
For any questions regarding accreditation or special logistical requests, media representatives can contact the designated email address provided by NASA. Requests for space for satellite trucks, tents, or electrical connections must be submitted by Monday, April 15.
The Commercial Crew Program is a collaboration between NASA and the American aerospace industry. Through this public-private partnership, the program aims to provide safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation for astronauts to the ISS. By launching astronauts on American rockets and spacecraft from American soil, the program allows for additional research time on the space station.
For more information about NASA’s Commercial Crew Program and updates on the Boeing Crew Flight Test, visit NASA’s official website.
Contact information for media inquiries:
Joshua Finch / Julian Coltre
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1100
joshua.a.finch@nasa.gov / julian.n.coltre@nasa.gov
Steve Siceloff / Danielle Sempsrott
Kennedy Space Center, Florida
321-867-2468
steven.p.siceloff@nasa.gov / danielle.c.sempsrott@nasa.gov
Leah Cheshier
Johnson Space Center, Houston
281-483-5111
leah.d.cheshier@nasa.gov