NASA and Boeing have rescheduled the launch of the CST-100 Starliner spacecraft for June 5, following the resolution of a computer issue by United Launch Alliance (ULA) that led to the previous launch attempt being scrubbed.
NASA announced on June 2 that mission managers approved the launch of the Crew Flight Test (CFT) mission on June 5 at 10:52 a.m. Eastern, with a backup opportunity available on June 6 at 10:29 a.m. Eastern.
The initial CFT launch attempt on June 1 was halted just 3 minutes and 50 seconds before the scheduled liftoff. ULA identified a problem where one of the three redundant ground control computers, specifically a card known as the launch sequencer, lagged behind the other two when exiting a pre-planned hold at T-4 minutes. Tory Bruno, ULA’s chief executive, suggested that a hardware or networking issue might be the cause.
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Boeing’s Starliner is finally gearing up for a crewed flight test on June 5 after the last launch got nixed ’cause of a power glitch. Meanwhile, SpaceX ain’t chillin’, preppin’ for the fourth Starship flight on… pic.twitter.com/mFtmIIdvBL
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NASA later detailed that ULA found a malfunction in the power supply unit for a section of the cards in one computer, including the card responsible for controlling valves used to replenish propellants on the Centaur upper stage, which had also malfunctioned earlier in the countdown. ULA decided to replace the computer rack, or chassis, containing the faulty power unit with a spare, while technicians investigate the root cause of the malfunction. “ULA has completed functional checkouts of the new chassis and the cards, and all hardware is performing normally,” NASA stated.
Weather conditions are expected to be favorable for the rescheduled launch, with a 90% chance of acceptable conditions on June 5. NASA reported no other issues with the Atlas 5 rocket, its ground support equipment, or the Starliner spacecraft itself.
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For more details: 🔗https://t.co/60p1SF5jI8 pic.twitter.com/NuWuxbmWFJ
— Forbes Middle East (@Forbes_MENA_) June 3, 2024
The CFT mission will see the Starliner, with NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams on board, fly to the International Space Station (ISS). The spacecraft is scheduled to spend about a week docked at the ISS before returning to land in the southwestern United States. This mission is the final test flight before NASA can certify the Starliner for regular missions to the ISS, potentially starting as early as early 2025.
NASA and ULA have stated that if the Starliner does not launch by June 6, they will stand down to perform maintenance on the rocket itself, specifically to replace expiring batteries. This maintenance work is expected to take approximately 10 days to complete.
We’re now targeting 10:52am ET (1452 UTC) on June 5 for the launch of our @BoeingSpace #Starliner Crew Flight Test. The @ULALaunch teams have addressed the issue that resulted in the scrub of the June 1 launch attempt.
Get more details: https://t.co/RpgglyOAWZ pic.twitter.com/q5HsdyGlRU
— NASA (@NASA) June 3, 2024
The successful completion of the CFT mission is crucial for NASA and Boeing as it will pave the way for the Starliner to begin operational missions, providing NASA with an additional means of transporting astronauts to and from the ISS. This would enhance the agency’s capabilities and provide more flexibility in its spaceflight operations.
Major Points:
- NASA and Boeing have rescheduled the launch of the CST-100 Starliner spacecraft for June 5 after ULA fixed a computer issue that caused the previous attempt to be scrubbed.
- The initial launch attempt on June 1 was halted due to a problem with the launch sequencer card in one of the ground control computers.
- ULA identified and replaced a faulty power supply unit in the affected computer and completed successful functional checkouts.
- The weather forecast for the new launch date is favorable, with a 90% chance of acceptable conditions.
- The CFT mission will carry NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams to the ISS, marking the final test before Starliner is certified for operational missions.
Conner T – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
