NASA delays next SpaceX crew launch due to ongoing Starliner problems


SpaceX’s Crew-9 flight for NASA was supposed to lift off on August 18, but the agency just announced its target launch date. moved The delay will give NASA and Boeing more time to finalize plans for the return of the Boeing Starliner, the agency said in a statement. What is not said is that while eight spacecraft can simultaneously dock with the ISS, the US segment of the space station has only two docking ports that can accommodate astronaut capsules. Both of them still occupiedbecause the Starliner’s supposed eight-day stay was extended by months.

NASA said Starliner’s ground crews are still analyzing the results of all the tests they’ve put the spacecraft through, including the latest hot fire test. They still have to confirm whether they are willing to bring back astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams. Boeing’s first crewed Starliner mission launched in June and the station was only supposed to stay a few days to determine if it was ready for regular flights. However, five of its thrusters failed to approach the ISS and only one came back online. The helium leak that has forced Boeing and NASA to cancel flights in the past has also worsened.

This was announced by the Boeing company, which presented it to the US Securities and Exchange Commission another 125 million dollars was lost Because of the Starliner’s delayed return and the extensive testing that had to be done to ensure its readiness. Company he said a few days agoHowever, he said he supports NASA’s requests for additional testing and is “confident in the Starliner spacecraft and its ability to return safely with the crew.”



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