https://techcrunch.com/2019/12/20/boeing-successfully-launches-starliner-crew-spacecraft-on-its-way-to-first-docking-at-the-space-station/

Boeing on Friday morning launched its Starliner CST-100 crew capsule, the spacecraft that will eventually carry astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) from U.S. launch sites. The Starliner wasn’t carrying any humans – but it did have a Snoopy doll and a robot named ‘Rosie’ on board.

The plush Snoopy is essentially a fun mascot, though it will provide a very easy to see indication of when the spacecraft has achieved zero gravity, since it’s in free flight on the ship. Rosie, however, will provide information about the forces exerted during the vehicle’s launch and flight, and help provide an even better idea of what that trip will be like for real astronauts once they’re strapped in and flying.