Two NASA astronauts were on the cusp of an eagerly awaited launch aboard Boeing's Starliner capsule, heralding the spacecraft's inaugural crewed mission. However, the launch was halted about two hours prior to liftoff due to a valve issue on the Atlas V rocket, which is manufactured by United Launch Alliance in Alabama and serves as the propulsion system for the Starliner.
Officials have yet to announce a new launch date but are targeting no earlier than May 10. Ken Bowersox, NASA's associate administrator for space operations, expressed optimism, saying, "Good things are worth waiting for, and we'll get a chance to see that rocket and spacecraft off the pad here soon."
The problematic valve is situated on the Atlas V rocket's second stage, critical for propelling the Starliner into space. Tory Bruno, United Launch Alliance's CEO, explained that while some movement of the valve is acceptable, excessive "buzzing" could lead to failure. Engineers are evaluating whether the valve needs replacement, which might necessitate rolling the rocket back off the launchpad.
The Starliner's Crew Flight Test, intended to demonstrate its readiness for routine operations under NASA's Commercial Crew Program alongside SpaceX's Crew Dragon capsule, was postponed. The mission's crew members, veteran astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, were prepared to evaluate various onboard systems, including life support and manual control.
The success of the Crew Flight Test is pivotal for Boeing, which has faced years of delays and setbacks in developing the Starliner. The spacecraft's performance will determine if Boeing can commence regular trips to the International Space Station on behalf of NASA, complementing SpaceX's ongoing missions.
Mark Nappi, Boeing's Starliner program manager, expressed confidence in the spacecraft's development process, highlighting the rigorous testing it underwent. The US space agency selected Boeing and SpaceX in 2014 to develop crew transportation systems following the retirement of the space shuttle program in 2011. While SpaceX successfully launched its Crew Dragon capsule with astronauts in May 2020, Boeing has been working to catch up and provide similar transportation services.
Nappi emphasized that Boeing supports SpaceX's efforts, recognizing the importance of having multiple options for astronaut transportation to the space station.