New Starliner Launch Target Identified After Setback

The semireusable space capsule has a new launch target after yet another issue postponed its first crewed flight to Wednesday at the earliest.

Monday, June 03, 2024 at 02:38 PM ET

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Boeing’s Starliner, stacked atop ULA’s Atlas V rocket, stands on the pad at Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida prior to Saturday’s scrubbed CFT attempt. [Courtesy: United Launch Alliance]

Key Takeaways:

Boeing's Starliner crewed flight test (CFT) was recently scrubbed again, this time due to a power supply unit issue on ground support equipment for the ULA Atlas V rocket.
This latest delay follows previous setbacks, including a faulty pressure valve on the Atlas V and a helium leak on the Starliner capsule itself, which exposed a "design vulnerability."
The CFT is a critical final test before NASA certifies Starliner for regular crew rotation missions to the International Space Station, a role currently dominated by SpaceX's Crew Dragon.
The mission, carrying NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, is now targeted for launch on Wednesday, June 5th, with a backup on Thursday.

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The inaugural crewed flight test (CFT) of Boeing’s Starliner capsule—a reusable vessel to the International Space Station (ISS) under a multibillion-dollar contract with NASA for six missions—was scrubbed over the weekend after a new problem arose during the launch countdown.

The mission, which has faced a series of setbacks since an initial launch attempt was scrubbed on May 6, is now targeted for 10:52 a.m. EDT on Wednesday, with a backup launch window available Thursday.

Jack Daleo

Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.