Boeing Starliner
Image: United Launch
After postponing the launch of the CST-100 Starliner space capsule, Boeing announced in a statement that it is seeking dates this August to launch the Starliner towards the International Space Station.
3 postponements have already been made, with the one last week due to a check on the propulsion system valves, in which there were failures. However, Boeing said it had fixed the problems and the valves showed no signs of corrosion or damage.
The problem was detected after the electrical storms at Kennedy Space Center on the last day 02. The valve position indications showed the problems. “Boeing and NASA teams are working methodically to understand what caused valve indications in the Starliner service module propulsion system,” said Steve Stich, manager of NASA's Commercial Crew Program.
“Seven of the 13 valves are now operating as designed, with inspection and repair of the remaining affected valves to be carried out in the coming days,” the company said.
A manned mission is also expected later this year, as Starliner has a competition with Elon Musk's SpaceX to be the first capsule to bring astronauts to the space station in nearly a decade.
Boeing also said it is working with NASA and the United Launch Alliance, its partnership with Lockheed Martin, to confirm launch dates when the spacecraft is ready.
Rafael Ramos
Aviation enthusiast from an early age, he had his first contacts with the area developing that good old habit of spending dozens of hours in front of the screens of Micrsoft Flight Simulator and other simulators. With a solid background in various technological areas, including engineering and chemistry, Rafael has rejoined aviation as editor and author of articles and materials on our portal, providing invaluable help to the dynamics and expansion of the website and the aeronautical community, bringing us the news and updates so indispensable for us to remain current in our area of operation.
   
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