Starliner Launch has been Scrubbed due to Technical Issue
The OFT-2 Starliner launch has been scrubbed due to a technical issue with the service module.
“We’re going to let the data lead our work. Our team has worked diligently to ensure the safety and success of this mission, and we will not launch until our vehicle is performing nominally and our teams are confident it is ready to fly.”
John Vollmer, vice president and program manager, Boeing’s Commercial Crew Program.
According to the Boeing Starliner update website, the company is working to understand the source of the unexpected valve position indications in the propulsion system. The issues were first detected during checkouts after electrical storms passed over Kennedy Space Center on Monday.
Engineering teams have now cycled the Service Module propulsion system valves with the Starliner and Atlas V on the launch pad and have ruled out a number of potential causes, including software. Additional time is needed to complete the assessment and, as a result, NASA and Boeing are not proceeding with today’s launch opportunity.
“We’re going to let the data lead our work,” said John Vollmer, vice president and program manager, Boeing’s Commercial Crew Program. “Our team has worked diligently to ensure the safety and success of this mission, and we will not launch until our vehicle is performing nominally and our teams are confident it is ready to fly.”
Teams powered down the spacecraft Tuesday evening, and the rocket and spacecraft are being rolled back to the Vertical Integration Facility on Wednesday for further inspection and testing to inform the next steps.
“We’re disappointed with today’s outcome and the need to reschedule our Starliner launch,” Vollmer said after the Tuesday Starnliner launch was scrubbed. “Human spaceflight is a complex, precise and unforgiving endeavor, and Boeing and NASA teams will take the time they need to ensure the safety and integrity of the spacecraft and the achievement of our mission objectives.”
The planned July 30 Starliner launch was scrubbed due to a positioning issue with the International Space Station. The station was pushed out of its normal attitude when a Russian module unexpectedly fired its thrusters following a repositioning maneuver.
Updates will be provided by NASA and Boeing as information is available.
(Source: Boeing. Image from file)