NASA Delays Boeing Starliner Crewed Launch Indefinitely Due to Helium Leak
Following the discovery of a helium leak in the spacecraft, NASA has decided to remove the previously set target date for the much-anticipated crewed launch, with no new date announced at this time.
Sign up for CNN’s Wonder Theory science newsletter to stay updated on the latest fascinating discoveries and scientific advancements in the universe.
NASA has not yet announced a new target date for Boeing’s Starliner crewed maiden voyage, as the previously scheduled Saturday launch has been postponed.
NASA stated that the team has spent two consecutive days in meetings, evaluating flight rationale, system performance, and redundancy. They mentioned that there is still work to be done in these areas, and discussions are ongoing regarding the next possible launch opportunity.
This update follows a series of delays earlier this month and comes a week after Starliner mission teams discovered a small helium leak in the service module of the spacecraft. The leak was traced back to a component called a flange on a single reaction control system thruster, which uses helium to enable the thrusters to function.
The launch date for the NASA mission has been pushed back to May 25. This delay will allow experts to thoroughly assess the issue. Despite the leak discovered during tests, it has been determined that it will not impact the mission.
Blue Origin NS-25 launches on Sunday, May 19.
Blue Origin NS-25 launches on Sunday, May 19.
Blue Origin
Related article
Blue Origin launches six tourists to the edge of space after nearly two-year hiatus
Pressure testing conducted on May 15 on the spacecraft's helium system revealed that the leak in the flange is stable and would not pose a risk during the flight, according to a news release from the space agency on Friday. The testing also showed that the rest of the thruster system in the entire service module is effectively sealed. Boeing teams are currently working on developing operational procedures to ensure that the system maintains sufficient performance capability and appropriate redundancy during the flight.
This mission, known as the Crew Flight Test, could mark the final significant milestone before NASA approves Boeing's spacecraft for regular operations under the Commercial Crew Program.
The historic crewed flight scheduled for May 6 was postponed just two hours before liftoff due to an issue with a valve on the second stage of the Atlas V rocket that will carry the Starliner spacecraft into space.
NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, who were set to crew the mission for a weeklong stay at the International Space Station, had been in preflight quarantine. However, they returned to Houston on May 10 to spend time with their families, according to Boeing.
“NASA will share more details once we have a clearer path forward,” the space agency said in its latest statement.
Boeing’s historic goals
NASA astronauts Suni Williams (left) and Butch Wilmore pose on April 25 ahead of the planned Starliner launch attempt.
NASA astronauts Suni Williams (left) and Butch Wilmore pose on April 25 ahead of the planned Starliner launch attempt.
Boeing has been working on the Crew Flight Test for ten years. This is the final step in their project to create a spacecraft that can safely transport astronauts to and from the International Space Station as part of NASA's commercial program.
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson mentioned in a recent news conference that the upcoming launch would be only the sixth maiden voyage of a crewed spacecraft in US history.
He explained that the previous maiden voyages were carried out by Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, the space shuttle, SpaceX's Dragon, and now, the upcoming Starliner mission.
Boeing created the Starliner to compete with SpaceX's popular Crew Dragon capsule and provide more options for transporting astronauts to the space station.
Additionally, Williams will be the first woman to go on this mission, making history in the process.
Starliner has faced challenges getting off the ground, with delays in development, issues during test flights, and other setbacks that have been expensive. In contrast, SpaceX, NASA's other commercial crew program partner, has emerged as the top choice for transporting astronauts.
Williams and Wilmore were all set to go on May 6, already seated inside the Starliner capsule. However, just before the launch, engineers discovered a problem and decided to stop the launch.
The United Launch Alliance team, responsible for the Atlas V rocket, found a pressure regulation valve issue on a liquid oxygen tank that needed to be fixed. Although the valve has been replaced, there is now a new delay due to a helium leak on the Boeing spacecraft that is positioned on top of the rocket.
If the spacecraft launches next week as scheduled, it will detach from the Atlas V rocket after reaching orbit. The astronauts onboard will then activate Starliner's engines, propelling the vehicle towards the space station. It is expected that the journey will take more than 24 hours.
Williams and Wilmore are scheduled to spend approximately one week at the space station. They will be joining the seven astronauts and cosmonauts already present on board, while the Starliner remains attached outside.
The same Starliner capsule will bring the history-making crew back home, landing at one of several designated locations in the southwestern United States.
This story was contributed to by CNN’s Jackie Wattles and Ashley Strickland.
Editor's P/S:
The article provides an informative update on the ongoing delays faced by NASA's Starliner crewed maiden voyage. It highlights the technical challenges encountered during testing, including a helium leak that has pushed back the launch date to May 25. The article also emphasizes the significance of the mission as it marks the final significant milestone before NASA approves Boeing's spacecraft for regular operations under the Commercial Crew Program. Despite the setbacks, the article conveys NASA's commitment to ensuring the safety and success of the mission.
The article delves into the history and goals of Boeing's Starliner program, which aims to provide more options for transporting astronauts to the International Space Station. It mentions the challenges faced by Starliner in getting off the ground, including delays, technical issues, and setbacks that have been costly. Despite these challenges, the article highlights the importance of the upcoming mission and the potential it holds for the future of space exploration.
