A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket with Boeings CST-100 Starliner spacecraft aboard is seen on May 4, 2024, as it is presented of the Vertical Integration Facility to the launch pad at Space Launch Complex 41 ahead of NASAs Boeing Crew Flight Test at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. NASAs Boeing Crew Flight Test is the very first launch with astronauts aboard the Starliner spacecraft and Atlas V rocket to the International Space Station as part of the firms Commercial Crew Program. Credit: NASA/Joel KowskyNASA, Boeing, and ULA are assessing a path forward for the upcoming Boeing Crew Flight Test to the International Space Station, targeting June 1 for the launch. This follows in-depth evaluations of a small helium leakage in the Starliner service module, with additional readiness evaluations and team preparations underway.Mission supervisors from NASA, Boeing, and ULA (United Launch Alliance) continue to assess a course forward towards launching the companys Boeing Crew Flight Test to the International Space Station. The groups are now pursuing a launch opportunity at 12:25 p.m. ET on Saturday, June 1, with additional opportunities on Sunday, June 2, Wednesday, June 5, and Thursday, June 6. The Boeing Crew Flight Test was scheduled for May 6, but that launch was scrubbed due to a malfunctioning oxygen relief valve. Subsequent problems changed the targeted launch date to May 17, May 21, and May 25, before this existing target of no earlier than June 1. Examining Starliners PerformanceOngoing work continues to examine Starliner performance and redundancy following the discovery of a small helium leakage in the spacecrafts service module. As part of this work, and unrelated to the present leak which stays stable, groups are in the process of finishing a follow-on propulsion system evaluation to comprehend potential helium system impacts on some Starliner return scenarios.NASA likewise will perform a Delta-Agency Flight Test Readiness Review to discuss the work that was carried out because the last CFT launch effort on May 6, and to evaluate concern closure and flight rationale ahead of the next effort, as part of NASAs procedure for assessing readiness. The date of the upcoming Flight Test Readiness Review is under consideration and will be revealed as soon as selected.A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket with Boeings CST-100 Starliner spacecraft aboard is seen on the launch pad at Space Launch Complex 41 ahead of NASAs Boeing Crew Flight Test, Sunday, May 5, 2024, at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Credit: NASA/Joel KowskyAddressing Technical Challenges”There has been a good deal of extraordinary analysis and testing over the last 2 weeks by the joint NASA, Boeing, and ULA teams to change the Centaur Self Regulating Valve and troubleshoot the Starliner Service Module helium manifold leak,” stated Steve Stich, supervisor, NASA Commercial Crew Program.”It has been necessary that we take our time to comprehend all the intricacies of each problem consisting of the redundant capabilities of the Starliner propulsion system and any ramifications to our Interim Human Rating Certification. We will introduce Butch and Suni on this test objective after the entire neighborhood has actually evaluated the teams development and flight rationale at the upcoming Delta Agency Flight Test Readiness Review.”Preparing the CrewMeanwhile, NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams continue practicing in Starliner simulators to get ready for flight. The team stays quarantined and will fly back to NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Florida closer to the brand-new launch date.
