The uncrewed test flight of Boeing’s Crew Space Transportation-100 Starliner spacecraft comes after a series of delays, including a failed launch in 2019 when the capsule was not able to reach the International Space Station (ISS).

In November 2019, the Starliner astronaut capsule underwent its first flight test, as Boeing tested its ability to abort in the event of an emergency.

Nasa’s Boeing Orbital Flight Test-2 – carrying no astronauts and only a test dummy – is another step on the path to regular human spaceflight to the ISS, Nasa has said.

It will test the changes and improvements made to Starliner and prove the system is ready to fly astronauts. If successful, and following subsequent data reviews, Nasa and Boeing will set a target launch date for the Crew Flight Test with astronauts on board.

Launching at just before midnight, Starliner is expected to arrive at the space station for docking about 24 hours later with more than 800lb of cargo, including...