The Boeing Starliner remains grounded: See the challenges that have delayed its launch

Boeing's Crew Space Transportation (CST)-100 Starliner spacecraft was originally scheduled to launch two NASA astronauts to the International Space Station on May 6 at 10:34 a.m. EDT. However, the liftoff was delayed when an anomaly was detected on an oxygen relief valve on the Atlas V rocket's Centaur Stage, prompting mission control to declare a "scrub" approximately two hours before liftoff.

The Starliner has remained grounded after being plagued with engineering issues and delays. This is not the first time the Starliner program has faced technical problems and delays. Since December 2019, its missions have experienced engine misfires, thruster failures during launch, flammable adhesive tape used to wrap wires, and wires connecting the capsule to its three parachutes appearing weaker than expected.

History of Starliner delays and issues

This month's Starliner manned flight launch delays

After several delays, Boeing is now targeting June 5 at 10:52 p.m. EDT for the first crewed launch of its Starliner capsule. Starliner also has one more backup launch date on June 6 before ULA and Boeing would have to stand down for 10 days or so to swap out vehicle batteries, Boeing officials have said.

Once the issue is resolved Crew Flight Test mission will send two veteran NASA astronauts, Sunita "Suni" Williams, pilot, and Barry "Butch" Wilmore, commander of the mission, to the International Space Station. This mission is a critical step for the program as it aims to showcase the Starliner's capabilities. The test flight will demonstrate the team's readiness to join Space X's Dragon vehicle in being NASA-certified and fly long-duration missions for the agency. A successful flight from launch to land would provide the U.S. with a second operational spacecraft to carry astronauts to low-Earth orbit.

SOURCE: Boeing, NASA, Space.com