Boeing and NASA’s Starliner test flight delayed again – space exploration or just space drama?
So, surprise surprise, Boeing and NASA have once again pushed back the Starliner Crewed Flight Test, this time to May 1st, 2024. Because, you know, scheduling at the International Space Station is just so hard to coordinate. I mean, who knew space travel could be so complicated, right?
The Starliner spacecraft was all set to launch on its second uncrewed test flight to the ISS, but alas, some pesky valves in the propulsion system had other plans. I guess even rocket science can’t escape the classic “technical difficulties” excuse.
But fear not, dear readers, because Boeing assures us that the Starliner spacecraft is totally ready for launch. I mean, they’ve done all the necessary preparations and everything. What could possibly go wrong? Famous last words, am I right?
The spacecraft is scheduled to be launched atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Let’s hope they packed some extra valves this time around.
In case you’re wondering, the Starliner spacecraft is part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, which aims to develop safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation to and from the ISS. Because who needs Elon Musk and his fancy SpaceX rockets, right?
Now, let’s not forget about the first uncrewed test flight of the Starliner spacecraft back in December 2019. That mission had its fair share of issues, including a timer error that prevented the spacecraft from docking with the ISS. But hey, practice makes perfect, right?
Boeing has supposedly made some improvements to the spacecraft and conducted extensive testing to ensure a successful mission this time around. We’ll see about that. The launch is now scheduled for Saturday, with a backup window on Sunday, just in case they need a little extra time to check those valves.
NASA and Boeing are feeling pretty optimistic about this flight, believing that it will demonstrate the spacecraft’s capabilities and pave the way for crewed missions in the near future. Let’s hope they’re right, because I don’t know how many more delays my poor sense of humor can handle.
So mark your calendars, folks. May 1st, 2024, is the new D-day for the Starliner Crewed Flight Test. Let’s just hope they don’t run into any more valve-related issues. Or timer errors. Or scheduling conflicts. Or…you get the picture.
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Source: TESLARATI
URL: https://www.teslarati.com/boeings-starliner-slightly-delayed-but-ready-for-launch/