Boeing's first astronaut flight called off at last minute
The next launch attempt could occur on Wednesday, June 5.
Dubai: A planned launch of Boeing's Starliner capsule, carrying astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, was scrubbed on Saturday due to a computer malfunction. With the launch window closing, engineers were unable to resolve the issue in time, forcing a stand down and safe disembarkation of the astronauts.
"This is the business that we're in," said Boeing's Mark Nappi, acknowledging the inherent challenges of spaceflight.
Technical difficulties hamper launch
This marks the second launch attempt for Boeing's first astronaut mission. The initial try on May 6th faced delays due to leak checks and repairs on the Atlas V rocket. This latest setback adds to a string of hurdles for Boeing, which aims to provide NASA with a reliable alternative to SpaceX's crew transportation service.
History of challenges for Boeing's Starliner
Boeing's journey toward astronaut flights has been plagued by technical issues before.
Their initial uncrewed test flight in 2019 suffered from severe software problems and never reached the International Space Station.
A 2022 attempt showed improvement but encountered parachute malfunctions and flammability concerns, leading to further delays.
Tight window for the next attempt
The nature of the computer glitch involved a sluggish performance in one of the three redundant ground launch sequencers, critical for the final countdown.
Technicians cannot access the computers for troubleshooting until the rocket is drained of fuel, a process that will take time. Depending on the repairs needed, the next launch window could open as early as Wednesday.
However, if the launch doesn't occur within the week, the attempt will be pushed back to mid-June to allow for the rocket to be moved and undergo battery replacements.
Optimism despite disappointment
While expressing disappointment, NASA astronaut Mike Fincke, the backup pilot, emphasized the inherent risks and delays associated with spaceflight. "Of course, this is emotionally disappointing," he said, "We're going to have a great launch in our future."