Boeing, one of the leading aerospace companies, announced on Monday its goal to be ready to fly NASA astronauts with its Starliner capsule for the first time by March. This timeline adjustment comes after a launch delay earlier this year. During a press conference, Mark Nappi, the Vice President and Starliner Manager at Boeing, stated that the company anticipates having the spacecraft ready in early March, but clarified that this does not guarantee a launch date during that timeframe. Boeing is currently coordinating with NASA’s Commercial Crew program, the International Space Station (ISS), and United Launch Alliance (ULA) to determine potential launch dates based on readiness.
Launch Delays and Progress
Boeing has faced significant setbacks this year, resulting in the postponement of its Starliner launch. The most recent delay was due to issues with the spacecraft’s parachutes and a type of tape used in its assembly. Consequently, the company now expects that the capsule will not transport crew until next year. However, Boeing assured that work is underway to rectify the problems. The company aims to complete the replacement of the problematic tape by the end of September and plans to conduct a parachute drop test in “mid-to-late” November. Notably, successful parachute performance is crucial for the spacecraft’s readiness in March.
Certification Progress and Operational Flight
According to NASA’s Commercial Crew manager, Steve Stich, the Starliner capsule has made substantial progress, with 98% completion towards the agency’s certification requirements for crew transportation. However, when asked about the timing of Boeing’s first operational flight, Stich noted that it depended on the final test flight’s outcome and timing. He stated that it is too early to determine if the flight could be scheduled by the end of next year. Therefore, Boeing and NASA will continue to assess the situation as the test flight progresses.
Cost Overruns and Delays
Boeing’s Starliner program has incurred significant costs and delays, posing challenges for the company. Due to the years of development cost overruns and project delays, Boeing reported absorbing approximately $1.5 billion in extra costs to date. These setbacks have not only impacted the company financially but have also hindered the timeline for the Starliner capsule’s completion.
Boeing is striving to overcome previous challenges and aims to launch its Starliner capsule with NASA astronauts by March. While delays have hindered progress, the company is working diligently to address the issues with the parachutes and tape used in assembly. Successful completion of these tasks is paramount for the spacecraft’s readiness. As Boeing and NASA continue their collaboration, the timing of the first operational flight is contingent upon the outcomes of the final test flight. Despite the setbacks and cost overruns, both Boeing and NASA remain committed to achieving safe and reliable crew transportation to the ISS.
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