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Boeing expects the Starliner crew capsule to be prepared no sooner than March 2024.
Nonetheless, that might slip additional pending the outcomes of parachute exams, software program evaluations, and Worldwide Area Station (ISS) scheduling.
After a disastrous first launch try in December 2019, wherein after the Starliner capsule separated, a software program concern with the Mission Elapsed Time induced the capsule to burn an excessive amount of propellant and enter the mistaken orbit and was unable to succeed in the ISS, forcing a touchdown simply two days after launch.
OFT-1 liftoff from SLC-41 (Credit score Richard Angle)
After correcting this concern, Boeing launched the OFT-2 mission greater than two years later, in Could 2022, however not with out encountering much more issues. In the course of the first launch try in August 2021, valves situated on the propulsion module had been discovered to be caught after moisture managed to get into the system and trigger corrosion.
Throughout at the moment’s teleconference with Boeing and NASA officers, it was acknowledged that the one remaining points are parachute testing, software program evaluations, and ending the removing of flammable tape that had been put in on the spacecraft.
Boeing will conduct a drop take a look at in November this yr when the change to the parachute system is predicted to be accomplished, specifically the comfortable hyperlink that connects the primary line from the capsule to the risers as much as the cover.
The corporate has additionally eliminated a “substantial variety of kilos” of a tape used to cowl wire harnesses that had been discovered to be flammable in sure excessive oxygen environments and continues to work on that concern.
Boeing expects Starliner to be prepared by March 2024. Nonetheless, that doesn’t imply it’ll launch then, as they want to ensure United Launch Alliance has launch pad availability and the ISS schedule is open. That would push the launch to Mid-2024.
Starliner OFT-2 launch (Credit score Richard Angle)
If the Crew Flight Check does happen in Spring/early Summer time 2024, that might be almost 4 years since SpaceX performed their Demo 2 launch to the ISS.
The primary operational crewed flight might not come till 2025. Boeing is contracted for six crewed missions to the Worldwide Area Station.
In the meantime, SpaceX and NASA simply named the Crew 8 members and are scheduled to launch in early 2024.
Questions or feedback? Shoot me an e-mail at rangle@teslarati.com, or Tweet me @RDAnglePhoto.
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