Boeing’s Starliner Test Flight Delayed Again Due to Computer Glitch
Cape Canaveral, Florida – The highly-anticipated crew test flight of Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft faced another setback as the ground launch sequencer computer triggered a hold at T-minus 3 minutes and 50 seconds, postponing the mission for at least a few more days.
This delay marked the second scrubbed launch attempt for the Starliner, with NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams already aboard the spacecraft when the countdown came to a halt due to a computer issue. The mission missed its launch window on Saturday and will now aim for a new launch opportunity on Wednesday.
The computer glitch, which occurred in one of three computers responsible for controlling the final minutes of the countdown, prompted the hold. Technicians from United Launch Alliance will be troubleshooting the problem to ensure a smooth launch in the upcoming days.
The Starliner spacecraft, once operational, will provide NASA with another human-rated spacecraft alongside SpaceX’s Crew Dragon for transporting astronauts to and from the International Space Station. Despite the disappointment of Saturday’s delay, NASA and Boeing remain committed to the success of the Starliner program.
As the teams work diligently to resolve the computer issue, the next launch opportunities for the Starliner test flight are scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday. While these delays are part of the intricate process of space exploration, the anticipation and excitement for the mission remain high among all involved parties.