The highly anticipated crewed launch of Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, which was meant to mark a major milestone in NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, has been called off at the last minute due to a problem with the ground system. This is the second time that the launch has been scrubbed shortly before liftoff, with the first attempt on May 6 being aborted due to a different issue with the rocket. Since then, the Starliner has faced several setbacks, including a helium leak, which have pushed back the launch date multiple times.
However, the latest issue was not related to any of these previous problems, according to Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. Instead, it was a problem with the ground launch sequencer, which is responsible for releasing the rocket as it lifts off. Stich explained that the issue was caused by two separate problems with the ground system, both of which are triple redundant, meaning that they have three separate backup systems in place to ensure that the launch can proceed safely. Despite these backup systems, one of the computer systems was delayed in giving the OK to a health check, which automatically scrubbed the launch.
The problem was detected just four minutes before the scheduled liftoff, and it is not clear how long it will take to resolve. According to Tony Bruno, president and CEO of United Launch Alliance, the engineers will need to gain physical access to the affected computer system and determine why it malfunctioned. This may take several hours, and if the fix is a simple one, the launch could go ahead tomorrow. However, if the issue is more complex, the launch could be delayed even further.
Boeing Starliner’s Launch Scratched Yet Again by Unforeseen Ground Systems Issue
The Starliner is intended to join the SpaceX Dragon as an option for transporting astronauts from Earth to the International Space Station and back. NASA is keen to have multiple options for crew transportation to ensure that it is not dependent on a single company for its needs. As Stich noted, having two redundant space transportation systems is crucial, and the delay is frustrating but not dire.
Despite the setback, the crew on board the International Space Station is safe, and the delay does not pose any risks to the space station or its occupants. The Starliner’s crewed mission is seen as a major step forward in NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, which aims to provide American astronauts with reliable and safe transportation to the International Space Station. The program has faced several challenges in recent years, but the delayed launch of the Starliner is a necessary step towards ensuring the safety and success of the mission.
In the meantime, NASA has backup launch dates available on June 5, 6, and 7. Engineers will work to resolve the issue and ensure that the Starliner is ready for launch. The agency is eager to complete the crewed mission and bring the Starliner’s capabilities to the International Space Station. For now, the delay has scratched the June 2 launch date, but it is likely that the Starliner will make its maiden crewed flight in the near future.
