Meet the Crew Embarking on NASA’s Boeing Starliner Historic Mission

by Sumer Loggins | 2024-04-03

NASA astronauts Sunita "Suni" Williams and Barry "Butch" Wilmore are poised to make history as the first people to fly aboard the Starliner spacecraft. Their launch to the International Space Station is targeted for May 6, 2024, on NASA’s Boeing Crew Flight Test (CFT) mission.

The crew will command the new spacecraft and lead the hands-on in-flight testing of its various systems and capabilities, including maneuvering and docking.

Two people dressed in blue flight suits stand outside in front of a jet. — *NASA's Boeing Crew Flight Test (CFT) crew members Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore conduct T-38 pre-flight activities at Ellington Field. Credit: NASA/Robert Markowitz*

“We’re the first ones to see the spacecraft integrated in simulations,” said Wilmore. “We’ve learned a lot about systems integrated testing that will pay benefits going forward and lay the groundwork for future missions.”

Wilmore, commander of the Boeing CFT mission, has a distinguished career as a fighter pilot, U.S. Navy captain, and astronaut with two spaceflights to his credit. Beyond his accomplishments in aerospace, Wilmore dedicates his time as a pastor, leading weekly Bible studies and participating in mission trips throughout South and Central America to aid medical professionals. He is a skilled craftsman, creating everything from entertainment centers to elaborate tables and sheds for his church.

Growing up in Tennessee, he says his faith helps him in all aspects of life, including the unknowns of flying.

Two people wearing helmets and a blue flight suit sit inside of a jet. — *NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore sit inside a T-38 trainer jet at Ellington Field. Credit: NASA/Robert Markowitz*

A retired U.S. Navy captain herself and pilot of the Boeing CFT mission, Williams has accumulated two spaceflight missions and ran the Boston Marathon aboard the space station. She is qualified as a helicopter pilot and basic diving officer.

Becoming an astronaut never crossed Williams’ mind until a visit to Johnson Space Center later in life changed everything. There, she met astronauts like John Young, who shared stories of Moon landings and vertical landing simulators. “It sparked me as something that would help us develop a further project to go back to the Moon and continue exploration,” she said. “I had the opportunity to meet people and realize that everything can be solved step by step and you just have to apply yourself to reach those goals. We all play a part.”

Williams enjoys spending time with her rescue Labrador retrievers, Gunner and Rotor. “One of the things I missed when I was in space was walking the dogs,” she said. “In those moments, you stop and realize how cool Earth is.” In their honor, she is bringing their dog tags to the space station.

Williams’ message for the next generation of explorers is, “There are no limits. Your imagination can make something happen, but it’s not always easy.” She added, “You have to get the qualifications, understand the problem, and show up as proficient as you can be and take on those big jobs. Why not? You can do it!”

Two people inside of a jet simulation conduct procedures. — *NASA’s Boeing CFT crew members Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore participate in an emergency operations simulation in the Boeing Starliner simulator at Johnson. Credit: NASA/Robert Markowitz*

Wilmore encourages the next generation with a call to action: “Strap on your work hat and let's go at it!” He emphasizes that tenacity and perseverance are essential for achieving anything of value. Motivated by a sense of patriotic duty and a desire to help those in need, Wilmore sees his astronaut role as a commitment to both his country and humanity at large.

Wilmore believes he’s challenged every day at NASA. “There’s certainly high expectations and teamwork required to work at NASA,” he said. “Doing the right things for the right reasons is what motivates me.”

For Williams, Wilmore, and the team supporting them, the Boeing CFT mission marks the beginning of a new chapter in the story of space exploration — one filled with challenges, discoveries, and the unyielding dream of reaching beyond the known horizons.

“There’s so many cool things that we can invent to solve problems and I think that’s one of the joys of working in the space program,” said Williams. “It makes you ask questions and solve hard problems. The endless possibilities are what gets kids engaged in STEM.”

Williams and Wilmore will launch aboard Starliner on a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket and dock at the orbiting laboratory, where they will stay for about a week.

In this illustration, NASA’s Boeing CST-100 Starliner spacecraft is shown in low Earth orbit. Boeing's upcoming Crew Flight Test (CFT) is part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Transportation Capability contract.

Astronaut Sunita "Suni" Williams, pilot of NASA's Boeing Crew Flight Test mission, has spent 322 days in space and conducted more than 50 hours of spacewalks. Williams served as a flight engineer for Expeditions 14, 15, and 32 and commander for Expedition 33. She has more than 3,000 flight hours in over 30 types of aircraft and served as deputy chief of the Astronaut Office. Credit: NASA/ Robert Markowitz

Astronaut Barry "Butch" Wilmore, commander of NASA's Boeing Crew Flight Test mission, has logged 178 days in space and conducted more than 25 hours of spacewalks. He served as a pilot on STS-129, flight engineer for Expedition 41, and commander of Expedition 42. Wilmore has also played key technical roles within the Astronaut Office and led the astronaut support team. Credit: NASA/Robert Markowitz