Slippages are on schedule….
Boeing Starliner launch delayed again — this time due to a leak
Boeing has again delayed the first crewed launch of its Starliner spacecraft.
The mission, which is set to test the spacecraft to iron out problems before it is pressed into full service in shuttling astronauts to and from the International Space Station (ISS), was pushed back by at least four days, making the launch date no earlier than May 21.
Boeing said the latest delay was prompted by the discovery of a minor helium leak in the Starliner’s propulsion system.
The leak is associated with one of 28 thrusters on the spacecraft’s service module, which are used to manoeuvre the vehicle once in orbit. Helium is neither toxic nor combustible.
“Nasa and Boeing are developing spacecraft-testing and operational solutions to address the issue,” Boeing said of the new issue on Tuesday.
“As a part of the testing, Boeing will bring the propulsion system up to flight pressurisation just as it does prior to launch and then allow the helium system to vent naturally to validate existing data and strengthen flight rationale,” the aerospace giant added.