Boeing is facing delays in the launch of the first Starliner astronaut mission for NASA, with the earliest possible launch date now set for March 2024. The delays are due to ongoing issues with the capsule's parachute system and wire-protecting tape. The previous planned launch dates have been repeatedly pushed back, causing further setbacks for the Starliner program.
Starliner's next big leap, CFT, has been pushed back repeatedly — from December 2022 to February 2023, for example, then to March, then to April, and thenThis latest slip results from two potential safety issues: Boeing engineers found that the"soft links" used on the suspension lines ofare not quite as robust as previously thought, and the company determined that the protective tape it used to wrap the capsule's many wires is flammable.
The parachute work is multifaceted as well. For example, Boeing has modified the soft link design to make it stronger, and the new version is being manufactured now, Nappi said. The company also decided to swap out Starliner's parachute system, putting a new version slated for the first operational mission on board for CFT.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Boeing resets Starliner plan to be ready for first NASA crew flight by MarchBoeing's Starliner spacecraft faces delays and cost overruns, with the company absorbing $1.5 billion in expenses. However, Boeing aims to be prepared for its first NASA crew flight by March.
Read more »
Boeing's Starliner could be ready for crewed flights by next MarchBoeing is aiming to send its Starliner crew capsule into space carrying live astronauts for the first time in March, following more than a decade of development. However, the ambitious Starliner program has faced repeated delays due to technical issues.
Read more »
Boeing aims to launch first NASA crew flight by MarchBoeing has reset its timeline for the Starliner capsule and plans to be ready to fly NASA astronauts by March. The company has incurred $1.5 billion in cost overruns so far.
Read more »
Boeing's first astronaut flight delayed until next year, more repairs neededBoeing's first astronaut flight, originally scheduled for July, has been delayed until at least next March due to problems with parachute lines and flammable tape. Boeing is working to remove the tape and redesign the parachute system, which is expected to be ready in December.
Read more »