Another Setback for Boeing’s Starliner
By NASA
The Boeing Crew Flight Test was scheduled for May 6, but
that launch was scrubbed due
to a faulty oxygen relief valve. Subsequent issues changed the targeted launch
date to May 17, May 21,
and May 25,
before this current target of no earlier than June 1.
Assessing Starliner’s Performance
Ongoing work continues to assess Starliner performance
and redundancy following the discovery of a small helium leak in the
spacecraft’s service module. As part of this work, and unrelated to the current
leak which remains stable, teams are in the process of completing a follow-on
propulsion system assessment to understand potential helium system impacts on
some Starliner return scenarios.
NASA also will conduct a Delta-Agency Flight Test
Readiness Review to discuss the work that was performed since the last CFT
launch attempt on May 6, and to evaluate issue closure and flight rationale
ahead of the next attempt, as part of NASA’s process for assessing readiness.
The date of the upcoming Flight Test Readiness Review is under consideration
and will be announced once selected.
Addressing Technical Challenges
“There has been a great deal of exceptional analysis and
testing over the last two weeks by the joint NASA, Boeing, and ULA teams to
replace the Centaur Self Regulating Valve and troubleshoot the Starliner
Service Module helium manifold leak,” said Steve Stich, manager, NASA
Commercial Crew Program.
“It has been important that we take our time to
understand all the complexities of each issue including the redundant
capabilities of the Starliner propulsion system and any implications to our
Interim Human Rating Certification. We will launch Butch and Suni on this test
mission after the entire community has reviewed the teams’ progress and flight
rationale at the upcoming Delta Agency Flight Test Readiness Review.”
Preparing the Crew
Meanwhile, NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni
Williams continue practicing in Starliner simulators to prepare for flight. The
crew remains quarantined and will fly back to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in
Florida closer to the new launch date.
