Buckle up, space enthusiasts! We just witnessed a celestial feat that will go down in the annals of space exploration. On June 5, 2024, at precisely 10:52 a.m. ET, Boeing's Starliner launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, making history by carrying astronauts for the first time.

I'm a writer and an avid sports enthusiast who can decode a home run's trajectory before the umpire yells "safe!"—and today, I'm bringing you the details of this monumental event. As a woman who has grown up loving space as much as any boundary-pushing entity out there, let's dive into stats-heavy breakdowns that’ll make your head spin faster than the ISS orbits Earth!

This mission marks the moment Boeing can hold its head high amidst the relentless competition. Paired with a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket, the Starliner embarked on a rigorous 25-hour journey to dock with the International Space Station (ISS) at 12:15 p.m. ET, the next day. Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, seasoned veterans with resumes that outshine most, are aboard to put the spacecraft through its paces.

Let's not downplay the uphill battle Boeing has faced. SpaceX’s Dragon capsule has been regularly flying NASA astronauts since 2020 while Starliner encountered delays and issues that postponed its debut by years. The journey hasn’t been cheap either, with Boeing sucking up $1.5 billion in costs and NASA injecting nearly $5 billion into its development. Oh, and before we forget, the Starliner is bound under contract to fly six operational missions to the ISS—cha-ching!

The launch clock wasn’t free from drama, of course. A near breath-holding moment transpired on Saturday when a launch attempt hit a snag due to a glitch in a ground support computer. And don't get us started on the early-May hiccup involving the rocket itself. ULA had to step in to repair a leaky valve and a faulty computer part just to get to this juncture.

But, perseverance pays off! With a meticulous 15-minute ascent, the rocket flawlessly slotted Starliner into orbit. It's worth mentioning that this Atlas V rocket was on its 100th launch—a milestone that further cements the joint venture between Boeing and Lockheed Martin as a colossal triumph.

Now, let’s talk specs: With the potential to carry up to four astronauts and over 200 pounds of research and cargo, the Starliner capsule—a marvel of reusable tech—is designed for up to 10 missions per unit. This aerodynamic wonder will use a parachute and airbag system to land safely back on Earth. Boeing is vying to erase the specter of its setbacks and stamp its legitimacy firmly in NASA's Commercial Crew Program.

Here's a shoutout to the astronauts riding the brink of history. Butch Wilmore, joined NASA in 2000 and has already bent the frontiers of space aboard the Space Shuttle and Russia's Soyuz. Suni Williams, not to be eclipsed, comes with a tenure starting in 1998, having already ventured twice into the cosmos on the Shuttle and Soyuz. Both having donned naval pilot suits before their NASA stints, they're now strapping in to push human travel further.

Even SpaceX’s President and COO Gwynne Shotwell couldn’t resist tipping her hat, sending a congratulatory nod via social media. This camaraderie showcases the collaborative vigor pulsating through the space industry.

So, there you have it folks—Boeing’s Starliner is on a mission, literally and metaphorically. As the capsule docks, heralding a new era for Boeing, we wait with bated breath for the riveting experiences and breakthroughs that will unfold as Wilmore and Williams put Starliner through its ultimate test. Watch this space for updates; until then, keep your telescopes ready and your spirits high!