Boeing Starliner's first crewed launch delayed due to computer glitch
What's the story
Boeing's first crewed Starliner launch, scheduled for June 1, 2024, was abruptly postponed less than four minutes before liftoff due to computer issues. The decision to scrub the launch came after a ground launch sequencer failed to enter "the correct operational configuration," triggering an automatic hold. United Launch Alliance (ULA) CEO Tory Bruno revealed in a press conference, that the issue stemmed from one of three redundant launch sequencers being slow to respond.
Launch setbacks
Previous delays and future launch opportunities
The Starliner program has faced a series of delays, with a previous launch on May 6 being scrubbed due to an issue with a pressure regulation valve in Atlas V rocket. Further checks revealed a helium leak in the service module. The next launch opportunities are slated for June 5 and 6 to allow more time for troubleshooting faulty equipment.
Twitter Post
Take a look at the official post
.@NASA, @BoeingSpace, and @ulalaunch are forgoing a Crew Flight Test launch attempt on June 2 to give the team additional time to assess a ground support equipment issue.
— NASA Commercial Crew (@Commercial_Crew) June 1, 2024
ULA will assess the ground support equipment overnight, and NASA will provide an update June 2 on next steps… pic.twitter.com/BlBddwk63o
Mission objectives
Mission details and astronauts' preparation amid delays
The mission aimed to transport US astronauts, Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams, to the International Space Station (ISS) for a week-long stay. The astronauts were tasked with testing Starliner and its subsystems before NASA's final certification of the craft for rotational missions to ISS. Despite the delays, Wilmore and Williams have continued their quarantine preparations, briefly returning to Houston on May 10 for family visits and Starliner simulator practice before resuming quarantine at Kennedy Space Center on May 28.