Despite expectations for its first crewed test flight today, the Starliner spacecraft has been delayed once again due to a helium leak. Here are the details…
NASA initially postponed the launch of the Starliner spacecraft, which was scheduled for May 6, due to a faulty valve, moving the date to May 17. During a thorough inspection to replace the problematic valve, a helium leak was also detected. After nearly two weeks of review, NASA announced a new launch date of June 1, despite the ongoing helium leak issue. However, today’s expected launch faced yet another setback.
Is Starliner Still Not Ready for Its First Crewed Test Flight?
NASA astronauts Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Sunita “Suni” Williams had to disembark from the Starliner spacecraft for the second time this month. Once again, the spacecraft was not launched for its first crewed test flight as anticipated today. The astronauts had to leave the spacecraft due to a problem that arose less than four minutes before the scheduled launch. It was later revealed that the ground launch computer, which took over the countdown, automatically issued a stop signal in the final minutes.
NASA announced that the Starliner launch has not been significantly delayed this time. According to the latest statement, Starliner is now set to launch on June 2 at 7:03 PM Turkey time. Boeing’s Lauren Brennecke commented on the continuously postponed launch:
“Of course, this situation is disappointing, but it is part of the job. The ultimate goal is to ensure that our valuable cargo, Butch and Suni, are safe.”
Starliner, which achieved the feat of landing on land instead of the ocean during its uncrewed test flights, is being closely watched for its performance on its first crewed mission. However, there has always been a reason to delay the date for its first crewed test flight.
Starliner, set to carry NASA astronauts Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Suni Williams to the International Space Station (ISS), will be launched tomorrow with the Atlas V rocket. Do you think the launch will be postponed again? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
