Boeing Starliner CFT Delayed Again; Due To Leak

NASA, Boeing, and United Launch Alliance (ULA) teams are diligently working towards Boeing Crew Flight Test to the International Space Station (ISS), but due to a leak being found on the Starliner spacecraft, launch is currently set for no earlier than 4:43 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, May 21, pending the completion of additional testing.

On May 11 ULA successfully replaced a pressure regulation valve on the liquid oxygen tank housed within the Atlas V rocket's Centaur upper stage. Following the replacement, the team executed re-pressurization and system purges, and rigorously tested the new valve, which demonstrated normal functionality.

Meanwhile, the Starliner teams have been actively addressing a helium leak that was identified in the spacecraft's service module, which was traced to a flange on a single reaction control system thruster.

Helium plays a crucial role in spacecraft thruster systems by facilitating their firing; fortunately, it is neither combustible nor toxic.

NASA and Boeing engineers are collaboratively devising spacecraft testing and operational strategies to tackle the helium leak issue. As part of the testing protocol, Boeing will simulate flight pressurization of the propulsion system, followed by a natural venting of the helium system to validate existing data and bolster flight readiness.

A comprehensive review of data from the May 6 launch attempt revealed no additional concerns.

Both the Atlas V rocket and the Starliner spacecraft remain housed in the Vertical Integration Facility at Space Launch Complex-41 on Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, where final preparations are underway.

In parallel, NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, are continuing their preflight quarantine, the two crew returned to Houston on May 10 for additional time with their families as launch preparations progress. The duo is slated to return to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida in the imminent days, poised for the forthcoming mission.

The collaborative efforts between NASA, Boeing, and ULA underscore the commitment to ensuring the safety and success of the upcoming Boeing Crew Flight Test.