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Boeing’s crew capsule declared ready for 1st space flight

In this May 14, 2019, file photo flags fly outside the main building of The Boeing Company's Oklahoma City facility in Oklahoma City. Boeing Co. reports financial earns on Wednesday, Oct. 23. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File)
In this May 14, 2019, file photo flags fly outside the main building of The Boeing Company's Oklahoma City facility in Oklahoma City. Boeing Co. reports financial earns on Wednesday, Oct. 23. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File) In this May 14, 2019, file photo flags fly outside the main building of The Boeing Company's Oklahoma City facility in Oklahoma City. Boeing Co. reports financial earns on Wednesday, Oct. 23. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File)

By MARCIA DUNN / AP Aerospace Writer 2 min read

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — Boeing’s Starliner crew capsule finally has a launch date for its first test flight to the International Space Station.

After an intensive review Thursday, NASA and Boeing managers agreed to a Dec. 20 liftoff.

“Hopefully, we should all be getting an early Christmas present this year,” said Phil McAlister, director of NASA’s commercial spaceflight development.

Just a few technical issues remain to be completed, he noted.

No one will be aboard, just a mannequin named Rosie. Three astronauts will strap in for the second test flight of a Starliner sometime next year.