**Cape Canaveral, Florida:** NASA astronauts eagerly awaited the long-anticipated launch of Boeing’s Starliner capsule atop an Atlas V rocket. However, the mission faced a setback just two hours before liftoff due to a valve issue on the rocket. The launch officials are now uncertain about the timing of the second launch attempt, with potential windows on Tuesday at 10:11 p.m. ET, as well as the evenings of May 10 and 11 in consideration.
The valve problem specifically concerns the Atlas V rocket’s second stage, which plays a crucial role in propelling the Starliner spacecraft into space. Tory Bruno, the CEO of United Launch Alliance, explained that although some valve buzzing is permissible, excessive movement could lead to valve failure. Engineers are now assessing whether the valve’s functionality warrants replacement or adjustments.
While the delay is disappointing, NASA’s associate administrator for space operations, Ken Bowersox, expressed optimism, stating that the planned launch will happen soon. The mission, known as the Crew Flight Test, serves as a significant milestone in Boeing’s aspiration to join SpaceX in ferrying astronauts to the International Space Station under NASA’s Commercial Crew Program.
The Crew Flight Test also marks a historic moment, as astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore prepare to embark on Starliner’s maiden crewed test run. This mission represents the sixth inaugural voyage of a crewed spacecraft in US history and underscores NASA’s efforts to collaborate with private entities for space exploration.
If the test flight proves successful, Boeing could commence routine trips to the space station on behalf of NASA. The space agency’s decision to engage Boeing in developing Starliner, alongside SpaceX, aimed to establish alternative means of shuttling astronauts post the retirement of the space shuttle program in 2011. While SpaceX edged out Boeing with its Crew Dragon capsule launch in May 2020, both companies remain pivotal in NASA’s quest for space exploration advancements.