The Atlas V N22 is a crew rated variant of the Atlas V 422 - it sports two solid motor strap on boosters with two liquid fueled stages. It will be primarly used to support NASA's Commercial Crew program by taking the CST-100 to orbit.
United Launch Alliance (ULA) is a joint venture of Lockheed Martin Space Systems and Boeing Defense, Space & Security. ULA was formed in December 2006 by combining the teams at these companies which provide spacecraft launch services to the government of the United States. ULA launches from both coasts of the US. They launch their Atlas V vehicle from LC-41 in Cape Canaveral and LC-3E at Vandeberg. Their Delta IV launches from LC-37 at Cape Canaveral and LC-6 at Vandenberg.
This is the second uncrewed test flight for the Starliner spacecraft. Reflight of the OFT mission will allow Boeing to demonstrate readiness of the spacecraft and implement corrections to the problems which were found during the first OFT flight.
Low Earth OrbitThis is the first test flight of Starliner spacecraft to the International Space Station. Although Atlas V and Centaur upper stage successfully put Starliner into planned trajectory, the spacecraft was unable to perform a nominal orbital insertion. Preliminary analysis indicate that Mission Elapsed Time (MET) system error led to Starliner burning more fuel than expected. Spacecraft is healthy and in stable orbit, but won't be able to reach and dock with ISS. Landing at White Sands Facility is planned on Dec 22.
Low Earth Orbit