Starliner Launch Rescheduled for June 5
WASHINGTON — After a computer problem forced a scrubbed launch attempt on June 1, NASA and Boeing have rescheduled the launch of the CST-100 Starliner spacecraft for June 5. The new launch date was set after United Launch Alliance fixed the issue that led to the previous postponement.
The Crew Flight Test (CFT) mission is now scheduled to launch on June 5 at 10:52 a.m. Eastern time, with a backup opportunity on June 6 at 10:29 a.m. Eastern time. The decision to proceed with the launch was made by mission managers after resolving the computer problem that caused the initial delay.
During the previous launch attempt, the countdown was halted 3 minutes and 50 seconds before liftoff due to a slower response from the launch sequencer in one of the ground control computers. NASA and ULA identified a problem with a power supply unit that affected the control valves for propellant replenishment on the Centaur upper stage.
With the computer issue addressed, ULA replaced the faulty power unit and completed functional checkouts to ensure the hardware was operating normally. Weather conditions are expected to be favorable for the upcoming launch, with a 90% chance of acceptable conditions on June 5.
The CFT mission will see the Starliner spacecraft carrying NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams to the International Space Station for a week-long stay before returning to Earth. This mission serves as a crucial test flight before the certification of the vehicle for operational missions to the ISS, potentially starting in early 2025.
In the event that the launch does not occur by June 6, NASA and ULA plan to address issues with the Atlas 5 rocket, including the replacement of expiring batteries. This maintenance work would take approximately 10 days to complete, delaying the mission further.
Overall, the rescheduled launch of the CST-100 Starliner spacecraft on June 5 marks a significant step in NASA’s efforts to continue crewed missions to the International Space Station and beyond.
Source: Jeff Foust via SpaceNews