Former astronaut William Anders, known for capturing the iconic "Earthrise" photo during the Apollo 8 mission in 1968, tragically lost his life in a plane crash in Washington state. Anders was piloting the aircraft alone when it crashed into the waters off the San Juan Islands. The incident has shocked the space and aviation communities, as Anders was a highly respected figure in both fields. His contribution to space exploration, particularly through his famous photograph of Earth from space, will always be remembered.

Boeing's Starliner spacecraft successfully launched from Cape Canaveral with two NASA astronauts on board, marking its long-awaited first crewed flight. The launch, which took place seven years after the capsule's original target date, was a significant milestone for the spacecraft that had faced delays and setbacks. The visually impressive liftoff against a clear Florida sky came after a series of challenges, including a failed uncrewed test flight five years ago and multiple postponements for technical reasons. Despite two previous aborted launch attempts, the Starliner finally embarked on its mission to the International Space Station. This successful launch represents a major achievement for Boeing and NASA, demonstrating the resilience and capabilities of the Starliner spacecraft. The astronauts are now on their way to the space station, where they will carry out important research and experiments.

Boeing is making another attempt to launch NASA astronauts after completing a new round of repairs. The aerospace company is preparing for its first astronaut mission, which has faced delays due to technical issues. Now, Boeing is ready to try again and is hopeful for a successful launch.