Boeing’s Challenges with the First Manned Flight
Boeing has faced significant hurdles in its attempt to execute its mission to the International Space Station (ISS), despite multiple delays already. The much-anticipated first manned test flight encountered new unforeseen technological difficulties just when it seemed ready to lift off.
As a result, Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner spacecraft remains grounded, with no launches planned in the immediate future. While further delays are expected, optimistically, the earliest possible time for launch could be the upcoming Friday. However, this heavily depends on if and when these newly emerged technical issues are resolved.
Specific Technical Issues
The technical issues in question do not actually relate to the Starliner spacecraft itself. Instead, the problems are associated with the carrier rocket upon which the spacecraft sits – the Atlas V. This rocket is owned by United Launch Alliance, a joint venture between Boeing and Lockheed Martin.
Just prior to the scheduled launch, a problem was detected in the upper stage of the Atlas V. A pressure relief valve on this rocket’s liquid oxygen-filled tank wasn’t functioning as intended. In light of this discovery, the decision was made to cancel the launch.
Stand down in Operations
The astronauts who were already onboard the Starliner were evacuated, and both the liquid hydrogen and oxygen were removed from the first and second stages of the Atlas V rocket.
Further Investigations Ongoing
The fault with the pressure relief valve led to the cancellation of the launch around two hours before the slated time. Over the next few days, investigations will continue into this component. The extent and type of measures taken will partially depend on the findings of these investigations. They will also help determine whether the launch can be rescheduled for later this week or if it will face yet more delays.
Boeing’s Previous Delays
Boeing is no stranger to delays. The CST-100 Starliner’s first manned test flight was initially scheduled to happen as early as 2020. However, it’s now 2024 and the world is still waiting for the launch to occur. These setbacks have surfaced due to various technological issues encountered during testing of the CST-100 Starliner, which have repeatedly led to further delays.
Now, Boeing unfortunately needs to postpone the manned test flight yet again. While hoping for a rescheduling by the end of this week, the feasibility of this is still uncertain. It readily depends on whether the problems with the pressure relief valve can be quickly resolved.
