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Boeing has canceled its first astronaut launch that was supposed to take Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams on a week-long trip to the International Space Station (ISS). The launch was canceled due to a valve problem on the rocket. Two NASA test pilots had just boarded Boeing’s Starliner capsule for a flight to the ISS when the countdown was stopped just two hours before the planned flight.
NASA also responded to the Will return to quarters.”
Speaking on this, United Launch Alliance CEO Tory Bruno said that an oxygen pressure-relief valve on the upper stage of the company’s Atlas rocket started opening and closing, creating a loud noise.
Bruno reported that the valve would have passed its 200,000 cycle life, meaning it would need to be replaced, causing the launch to be postponed until next week. However, he said that if engineers can quickly confirm that the valve is still within its operational limits, the launch team could attempt another launch by Tuesday night.
He added, “Engineers will now work overnight to determine the degree of degradation and decide whether to refit the same part on the launchpad or send the rocket back to its assembly building to install a new valve.” NASA is banking on a successful test for Starliner so it can certify a second commercial vehicle to carry crews to the ISS. In 2020, Elon Musk’s SpaceX achieved this milestone using its Dragon capsule, ending nearly a decade of dependence on Russian rockets for spaceflight. The shuttle program was discontinued.
Speaking at today’s event, NASA Commercial Crew Program Manager Steve Stich admitted it was a difficult decision. “We’re taking it one step at a time, and will launch when we’re ready and fly when it’s safe to do so,” Stich told reporters. Associated PressS.
(With inputs from The Associated Press, Reuters)
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Published: 07 May 2024, 10:28 am IST
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