Mission managers from NASA, Boeing and ULA (United Launch Alliance) continue to evaluate the path forward toward launching the agency’s Boeing Crew Flight Test to the International Space Station (ISS). Teams are now working toward a launch opportunity next June 1, with additional opportunities on Sunday, June 2, Wednesday, June 5, and Thursday, June 6, Boeing reports.
Work continues to evaluate Starliner performance and redundancy following the discovery of a small helium leak in the spacecraft service module. As part of this work, and unrelated to the current leak that remains stable, teams are in the process of completing a follow-up propulsion system assessment to understand the potential impacts of the helium system in some Starliner return scenarios.
NASA will also conduct a Delta Agency flight test readiness review to discuss the work that has been done since the last CFT launch attempt on May 6 and to evaluate the closure of the issue and the justification for the flight. before the next attempt, as part of NASA’s evaluation process. The date of the next flight test readiness review is being considered and will be announced once selected.
“There has been a Lots of exceptional analysis and testing over the last two weeks by the joint NASA, Boeing and ULA teams to replace the Centaur self-regulating valve and address Starliner Service Module helium manifold leak issues,” said Steve Stich, NASA Commercial Crew Program Manager. “It has been important that we take our time to understand all the complexities of each topic, including the redundant capabilities of the Starliner propulsion system and any implications for our Interim Human Qualification Certification. “We will launch Butch and Suni on this test mission after the entire community has reviewed the team’s progress and flight rationale at the upcoming Delta Agency Flight Test Readiness Review.”
Technicians from NASA, Boeing and ULA will provide information on the next target launch opportunity and updates on ongoing work during a teleconference this Friday. NASA hopes to issue a statement this Thursday with additional details for the call and how to participate.
Meanwhile, NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams continue to practice in Starliner simulators to prepare for flight. The crew remains in quarantine and will fly back to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida as the new launch date approaches.
