NASA and Boeing have postponed the inaugural crewed launch of the Boeing Starliner spacecraft to the International Space Station (ISS). The decision to delay was made approximately two hours before the scheduled liftoff after a technical issue arose during pre-launch assessments. NASA has indicated that a "faulty oxygen relief valve observation" prompted the mission postponement.
Engineers are thoroughly evaluating the issue to determine the safest course of action. Boeing and NASA emphasize that the launch will proceed only when all systems are deemed secure.
While the next available launch window opens on May 8th, there are additional potential opportunities on Friday and Saturday of the same week. If the valve is determined to be functional, the mission could proceed as early as tomorrow. A faulty valve, however, may necessitate a replacement and a longer delay. Such technical setbacks are not uncommon, especially with the launch of new spacecraft.
The Starliner Crew and Development
This mission marks a significant milestone as it would carry the first crew to the ISS aboard a Boeing spacecraft. Veteran astronauts Sunita Williams, serving as pilot, and Butch Wilmore, mission commander, were instrumental in providing insights throughout the Starliner's development. The spacecraft's design accommodates a standard crew of four, the typical rotation for the ISS, and can transport up to seven astronauts if necessary.Boeing's Starliner offers a unique feature upon its return to Earth – a land-based touchdown. Previous American missions to the ISS, following the Space Shuttle program's retirement, concluded with ocean splashdowns.
The Starliner is a partially reusable spacecraft developed under NASA's Commercial Crew Program. In 2014, NASA awarded contracts to both SpaceX and Boeing to create vehicles for transporting astronauts to the ISS. While SpaceX's Crew Dragon launched its first crewed mission in 2020, the Starliner's development faced several delays. Its first uncrewed test flight successfully occurred in May 2022, with regular service anticipated to begin in 2025.
