This will be the first uncrewed orbital test for the Boeing built crew capsule Starliner.
The capsule is similar to SpaceX's Dragon 2 designed to ferry astronauts to the ISS under the Commercial Crew Program.
It will launch from SLC 41, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida on top of a Atlas V rocket.
Starliner will attempt to dock to the ISS and then return to land.
Weight is 13'000 kg.
Docking v Birthing
The currently flying Dragon capsule by SpaceX is birthing to the ISS. That means it flies to a holding position near Station and will then be pulled in by a grappling arm.
The Starliner will dock autonomously under its own power to Station.
Sojus capsules are also docking autonomously and the new Dragon 2 will be docking as well.
Where to watch:
30 minutes before launch
15 minutes before launch.
When: 11:36 UTC, 20th December 2019.
Check your local time at:
www.timeanddate.com
Useful links to stay up to date on launches:
Spaceflightnow.com: Launch Schedule
Everyday Astronaut: Prelaunch Previews
Space News:
NASA Spaceflight nasaspacefight.com
Be aware, this is rocket surgery.
Small disturbances can lead to postponed launches. Making sure everything is just right is way cheaper than risking big fireworks.
@remind-me on 20th December 2019 11:00
