Boeing Starliner’s first crewed mission launch scrubbed again


June 1 (UPI) — After several delays, test pilots Sunita “Suni” Williams and Barry “Butch” Wilmore scheduled launch of the first crewed mission of the Boeing Starliner spacecraft was scrubbed Saturday afternoon.

A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket was set to launch the Starliner into space rom the Space Launch Complex-41 in Florida at 12:25 p.m. EDT. The hold was at 3:56 p.m.

NASA is streaming the launch live on its YouTube channel.

The crew then was to be removed from the spacecraft.

The Boeing Starliner spacecraft sits on top of a ULA Atlas V rocket as it is being prepared to launch the Starliner’s first crewed mission from Complex 41 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Photo by Joe Marino/UPI

Shortly before the hold, all systems were “go” but an automatic hold was triggered by a flight sequening compter. No details were revealed.

Around 10 a.m., teams found a loss of data from ground valves responsible for replenishing the liquid oxygen and hydrogen to the second, or upper stage, of the Atlas V rocket. The hatch was prevented from closing for about 45 minutes. The countdown resumed after a redunant system was used.

A ULA Atlas V rocket is being prepared to launch the Boeing Starliner spacecraft and NASA test pilots Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams on a 10-day mission to the International Space Station. Photo by Joe Marino/UPI

A ULA Atlas V rocket is being prepared to launch the Boeing Starliner spacecraft and NASA test pilots Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams on a 10-day mission to the International Space Station. Photo by Joe Marino/UPI

Williams and Wilmore gaved the Starliner its final shakedown run, which includes a week-long stay while docked at the International Space Station.

The test pilots will spend two days traveling to the ISS, where it will dock and remain for about a week while testing the Starliner’s ability to support a crew while in space.

The Starliner will return to Earth with a landing planned in the U.S. desert Southwest.

The Starliner is designed with a service life of 10 launches and landings.

Earlier test launches were delayed for many reasons, including the use of flammable tape in the Starliner capsule, a buzzing noise detected on the launch pad, a defective pressure valve on an upper-stage oxygen tank and a helium leak in the service module.

If the 10-day test flight proceeds successfully, NASA likely will certify the Starliner for use.

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