At NASA’s request, Boeing will livestream key Starliner test

Enlarge / Still image from an animation of Boeing's launch abort system test. (credit: Boeing)

On Monday, Boeing will perform a consequential test of its Starliner spacecraft's launch abort system in New Mexico. And thanks to NASA chief Jim Bridenstine, it will be shown live.

"At my request," Bridenstine tweeted, the test will be shown live on NASA Television. "Transparency for the taxpayer." NASA is paying Boeing $4.2 billion for development of Starliner and up to six operational missions to carry astronauts to the International Space Station.

Boeing had apparently planned to record the test, but did not intend to broadcast it live until Bridenstine intervened. "A livestream of the Starliner Pad Abort Test is something we've been considering and planning for and are fully prepared to support at the request of our customer," Boeing's Rebecca Regan told Ars.

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