Starliner Launch scrubbed: launch of Boeing’s crewed Starliner attempt scrubbed –
Just minutes before its planned liftoff on Saturday, June 1st, Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner space capsule launch was scrubbed, resulting in a minimum four-day delay in the mission.
Three minutes and fifty seconds before the intended launch, a ground computer stopped the countdown for the Crew Flight Test (CFT) mission, which was supposed to take place at 12:25 PM Eastern time, including NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams. The launch attempt was terminated by the hold since the Starliner has a limited window for launches.
Engineers were initially told to stand by for another launch attempt on Sunday at 12:03 PM Eastern time, presuming the problem could be rectified in time. Later on, though, NASA declared that the team would take a leave of absence on Sunday to provide engineers extra time to evaluate the computer problem.
One of the three networked computer racks in a structure at the launch pad had a problem that was discovered on Saturday, according to Tory Bruno, CEO of United Launch Alliance, the company that makes the Atlas 5 rocket. Every rack is equipped with several systems, such as identical circuit boards that function as a “ground launch sequencer,” controlling the last few seconds of the countdown.
The GLS computers control activities like as umbilical retractions and the firing of explosive bolts that release the rocket from the pad for launch, and all three must be in perfect accord for a countdown to begin.
About two hours later, NASA announced that there would not be a launch attempt on June 2nd to give teams more time to look into the issue. On June 2nd, an update regarding the upcoming launch attempt is anticipated.
During the countdown, United Launch Alliance, Boeing, and NASA resolved a few other small difficulties. Starliner Launch controllers discovered a valve issue approximately two hours before the planned liftoff. The valves regulate the flow of liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen into the Centaur upper stage, replenishing its tanks.
As part of the current plan to launch in early 2025, NASA officials had stated earlier this year that to launch the first operational trip, Starliner-1, they are required to certify Starliner by November or December. At a May 31st briefing, Stitch refuted any suggestion that the CFT launch delay would have an impact on the program’s ongoing viability.
