NASA Indefinitely Delays Boeing’s Crewed Starliner Mission

By: Julia | Published: May 23, 2024

NASA has indefinitely delayed Boeing’s crewed Starliner mission after yet another mishap was revealed. This indefinite delay comes after two astronauts were strapped into their seats and ready to take off earlier this month before the Starliner was first launched.

Another launch was set for this week, but it was subsequently halted when managers could not successfully evaluate and fix a small helium leak in the spaceship’s propulsion system.

A First Launch, Failed

Starliner was supposed to take off from Earth and head to the International Space Station on May 6 with astronauts Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Sunita Williams on board.

Astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Butch Wilmore in front of the Boeing Starliner craft.

Source: NASA/Kim Shiflett/Wikimedia Commons

However, that launch was canceled only two hours before it was set to begin — and with both astronauts strapped into the craft and ready to go.

Why the Starliner Launch Was Canceled

This May 6 launch was canceled after NASA and Boeing discovered that there was an issue with a valve on the Atlas V rocket.

An aerial look at the Boeing Starliner on its launchpad in the daytime.

Source: NASA/Joel Kowsky/Wikimedia Commons

The launch was canceled and scheduled for another date. The valve was eventually completely fixed, and a new launch date was set in motion.

Another Cancellation

On Saturday, May 18, Starliner was again supposed to launch with Wilmore and Williams on board. However, a small helium leak in the Starliner’s propulsion system became an issue.

A portrait photo of astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore in their NASA suits.

Source: NASA/JSC/Wikimedia Commons

This leak was first discovered during the May 6 launch attempt. However, at the time, engineers believed that it was small enough to not be an issue. However, now it appears that a difference of opinion has been made — and the launch has been canceled once again.

Starliner Was Almost Launched

Once again, both Williams and Wilmore were ready to go when the Starliner’s launch was canceled. Both were at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, waiting to be told to go to the Kennedy Space Center.

Boeing’s Starliner craft seen on its launchpad in the evening.

Source: NASA/Joel Kowsky/Wikimedia Commons

Even on Saturday, engineers assumed that the spacecraft would be launched, even with the small helium leak.

NASA’s Statement

It appears that the decision to halt the launch came after managers met and talked this issue over.

A NASA press conference for Boeing’s crewed Starliner flight with many top officials sitting at tables.

Source: NASA/Joel Kowsky/Wikimedia Commons

In a statement, NASA said that “the team has been in meetings for two consecutive days, assessing flight rationale, system performance and redundancy. There is still forward work in these areas, and the next possible launch opportunity is still being discussed.”

A Worsening Leak in Space

One of the main things these managers and engineers discussed had to do with whether this small helium leak could potentially become a major issue.

Boeing’s Starliner craft approaching the International Space Station with Earth seen below it.

Source: Bob Hines/NASA/Wikimedia Commons

They didn’t want to see this leak get even worse in flight, when Wilmore and Williams were in space. As this mission is crewed, the stakes are much higher than Boeing’s previous uncrewed flights.

Boeing’s Starliner Launch Is Indefinitely Delayed

Now, no new date has been given by NASA as to when Starliner may be launched again. It is now considered an indefinitely delayed mission.

Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams seen outside in their NASA suits.

Source: NASA/Glenn Benson/Wikimedia Commons

However, if NASA and Boeing want to go through with their quest soon, they’ll only have the chance to do so on May 28, June 1, June 2, June 5, and June 6, according to the International Space Station’s orbit and Starliner’s ability to match it.

Starliner’s Many Issues

Boeing’s Starliner has had one issue after another for years now. An unpiloted test flight in 2019 began these years-long issues after software problems and communication issues led to the flight being incredibly problematic.

People collect parachutes and parts of the Starliner craft after it lands during sunrise.

Source: NASA/Bill Ingalls/Wikimedia Commons

Starliner’s next uncrewed mission was successful — but managers discovered more problems with the craft once it returned to Earth.

An Ongoing Helium Leak

This helium leak issue, which has indefinitely delayed Starliner’s anticipated launch, has been an ongoing problem for weeks now.

An up-close look at the top of Boeing’s Starliner craft seen in the daytime.

Source: NASA/Joel Kowsky/Wikimedia Commons

After first being discovered on May 6, engineers were able to take a closer look at it after the rocket’s valve needed to be replaced.

Finding the Source

During this time, engineers were able to trace where this helium leak was coming from. They found that it was connected to a reaction control system thruster.

An up-close look at the Starliner capsule and its rocket seen on its launchpad in the daytime.

Source: NASA/Joel Kowsky/Wikimedia Commons

This thruster is in one of the “doghouse” assemblies that are located around the craft’s service module. While engineers did try to tighten bolts and fix this issue, this leak was still detected.

Boeing’s Issues

This spacecraft issue is just the latest public problem that Boeing has had since the beginning of this year. The company has had many airplane incidents that have caused emergency landings and much media attention.

Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft approaching the International Space Station amid black space.

Source: Bob Hines/NASA/Wikimedia Commons

Now, Boeing’s spacecraft also seems to be having issues. These problems come as Boeing is trying to become a consistent partner with NASA to ferry their astronauts to the International Space Station and back.