Boeing's Starliner crew flight faces indeterminate delay

Commercial Crew
June 3, 2023
Michael Howard
A view of the Boeing Starliner CST-100 spacecraft atop the Atlas V launch vehicle prior to Orbital Flight Test 2 in 2022. Photo credit: Michael Howard / We Report Space
A view of the Boeing Starliner CST-100 spacecraft atop the Atlas V launch vehicle prior to Orbital Flight Test 2 in 2022. Photo credit: Michael Howard / We Report Space

Cape Canaveral S.F.S. FL. – In a continuing series of setbacks for the Boeing CST-100 “Starliner” capsule, it was announced again that an additional delay for this program has taken place.

Starliner first flew in 2019 for the Orbital Flight Test 1 (OFT-1) mission, however technical issues prevented rendezvous and docking with the International Space Station, prompting Boeing to ultimately re-fly the uncrewed mission in 2022. Photo Credit: Michael Seeley / We Report Space

In a press release from May 26, 2023, a statement from NASA was given on the program and the progress being made: “We are taking a methodical approach to the first crewed flight of Starliner incorporating all of the lessons learned from the various in-depth testing campaigns, including Starliner’s flight tests and the agency’s verification efforts,” said Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. “All Orbital Flight Test-2 anomalies are closed. In addition to the closeout of ongoing work, the team remains vigilant on tracking new technical issues as we complete certification for crewed flight.” 

Starliner takes flight during the uncrewed Orbital Flight Test 2 (OFT-2) mission in 2022. Photo credit: Michael Howard / We Report Space

However, just days later, it was revealed that yet another delay had taken place and a targeted launch of July 2023 is now delayed. This delay includes issues with some wiring of the capsule and portions of the parachute landing system. In a statement from Boeing: “The bottom line here is safety is always our top priority,” said Mark Nappi, Boeing’s vice president and program manager for the Starliner spacecraft. “You can say we’re disappointed because that means a delay, but the team is proud that we’re making the right choices.” Nappi went on to say: “We’ve decided to stand down the preparation for the Crew Flight Test (C.F.T) mission in order to correct these problems.”  

It is uncertain when “Starliner” will be ready for flight, yet all measures are being taken to insure a safe flight for astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams who will fly “Starliner” to the International Space Station. Image Credit: Michael Howard – We Report Space

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Atlas V / Boeing CST-100 Starliner Launch (Michael Seeley)

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