NASA Postpones Upcoming Crew Launch to Allow Additional Time for Boeing’s Capsule Troubles at the Space Station

NASA is postponing its upcoming astronaut launch to allow for additional time at the International Space Station to address issues with Boeing’s new crew capsule.

The decision was announced by the space agency on Tuesday, pushing back SpaceX’s four-person flight from this month to September 24 at the earliest. This delay will provide the necessary time to investigate thruster and leak problems that affected Boeing’s Starliner capsule following its June launch, which was the first with a crew onboard.

Currently, Starliner’s test pilots, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, have been at the space station for two months, surpassing the expected return date in mid-June. NASA is exploring various options for their return, including a ride back in a SpaceX capsule.

“NASA and Boeing are assessing the readiness of the spacecraft, and no final decisions have been made regarding Starliner’s return,” NASA stated, with further updates scheduled for a news conference on Wednesday.

With only two U.S. astronaut capsule docking ports available at the space station, both are currently occupied, necessitating the need to vacate one before the next SpaceX crew can arrive. Russia has its own docking locations for its Soyuz capsules.

This setback also means the four astronauts who flew up with SpaceX in March will have an extended mission duration.

Boeing has conducted thruster test firings on the ground and in space over the past few weeks to investigate why five thrusters failed prior to Starliner’s arrival at the space station on June 6. Most of the thrusters have been restored, though helium leaks in the propulsion system have emerged.

In light of the testing, Boeing expressed confidence in the Starliner spacecraft’s ability to safely return with crew members.

Boeing and SpaceX were selected by NASA for astronaut transportation to and from the space station after the retirement of the shuttles in 2011. Contracts worth billions were signed with both companies to ensure a backup option in case one faced setbacks.

SpaceX conducted its first crew launch in 2020 and will soon embark on its 10th astronaut flight for NASA, as well as flying private crews into orbit. Meanwhile, Boeing has encountered numerous challenges with Starliner, resulting in costly delays exceeding $1 billion.

By Marcia Dunn