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Boeing and NASA Delay Crewed Flight Test of Starliner Capsule
Boeing and NASA have announced the further delay of the first crewed flight test of the Starliner capsule due to technical issues with the spacecraft. The crewed mission was originally scheduled to fly two NASA astronauts on July 21 but was pushed back from an earlier April launch date. Officials did not give a new launch date during a media briefing, and Boeing will spend the next week figuring out a plan to ensure the capsule is safe for flight.
Two New Issues Discovered with Starliner
Boeing engineers discovered two new issues with Starliner. The first issue is related to the parachute systems. The data on the load limits of the parachutes was recorded incorrectly, causing engineers to discover that some sections of the parachute had a lower failure load limit than was previously identified.
The second issue is with the tape that wraps around wire harnesses in the spacecraft, which was found to be flammable. According to Mark Nappi, Boeing’s VP of commercial crew, the tape was tested late in the process and was present on the spacecraft that flew in the Starliner’s only mission, an uncrewed flight test that took place over a year ago. The parachute system also flew on that mission.
No New Launch Date Provided
During the media briefing, Mark Nappi stated that he thought a launch at some point this year was feasible, but he substantially hedged his statement. The decision to delay the crewed flight test of the Starliner capsule was driven by safety concerns, and officials did not give a new launch date during the briefing.
Boeing’s Commercial Crew Ambitions
Boeing has spent years developing the Starliner capsule to transport astronauts to and from the International Space Station for customer NASA. However, the company has been beset with technical delays compared to SpaceX, who has nearly completed all of its six contracted missions for the space agency. Despite the setbacks, Boeing has confirmed it has no intention of walking away from its commercial crew ambitions anytime soon.
Conclusion
The further delay of the first crewed flight test of the Starliner capsule is another setback for Boeing and NASA’s commercial crew ambitions. At present, officials have not given a new launch date for the mission, and Boeing will spend the coming week figuring out a plan to ensure the capsule is safe for flight.
FAQ
What is the Starliner capsule?
The Starliner capsule is a crewed capsule developed by Boeing to transport astronauts to and from the International Space Station.
Why was the first crewed flight test of the Starliner capsule delayed?
The first crewed flight test of the Starliner capsule was delayed due to technical issues with the spacecraft. Two new issues were discovered, one related to the parachute systems and another with the flammable tape that wraps around wire harnesses in the spacecraft.
When was the original launch date for the first crewed flight test of the Starliner capsule?
The first crewed flight test of the Starliner capsule was originally scheduled to fly two NASA astronauts on July 21 but was pushed back from an earlier April launch date.
Has a new launch date been given for the first crewed flight test of the Starliner capsule?
Officials did not provide a new launch date during the media briefing, and Boeing will spend the next week figuring out a plan to ensure the capsule is safe for flight.
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