AFP, WASHINGTONBoeing was yesterday set to launch its Starliner capsule on a crewless eight-day journey to the International Space Station (ISS) and back, a dry run for NASA’s plans to end US dependence on Russia for space rides. NASA has been forced to rely on Russian Soyuz rockets to transport its astronauts since the Space Shuttle program was shuttered in 2011 following 30 years of service. Both companies are running two years behind schedule, but appear almost ready: Approval now rests on the successful completion of final tests. “It’s been eight-and-a-half years, far too long, in my opinion,” said Boeing astronaut Chris Ferguson, who commanded the last Shuttle mission in 2011 and is set to be on Starliner’s first crewed mission. About 25 hours later, it is to dock autonomously with the space station, 400km above sea level.
