AMP
Home Astronomy Boeing Starliner: Live updates

Boeing Starliner: Live updates

0
Boeing Starliner: Live updates


Refresh

Boeing has losses of practically $900 million on Starliner

Boeing’s Starliner space capsule touching down after a profitable uncrewed take a look at flight, Orbital Flight Take a look at 2, which landed on Could 25, 2022. (Picture credit score: NASA)

Because the much-delayed Starliner program targets a crewed take a look at flight date in February 2023 to ship astronauts to the International Space Station, a submitting by maker Boeing Wednesday (Oct. 26) with the U.S. Securities and Alternate Fee (SEC) announced a charge (opens in new tab) of $195 million in its fiscal third quarter. That brings total losses in this system of $883 million.

The corporate blamed operational (post-certification) mission timeline delays for the brand new cost, noting beforehand Boeing was assuming a 2024 timeline and that has been pushed again. “The three future put up certification missions … at the moment are assumed to be accomplished by 2026, primarily based on NASA’s revised launch plans,” the corporate said in its SEC submitting.

Boeing’s “picture-perfect” uncrewed Orbital Flight Test 2 concluded with a protected landing on Could 25, following a way more troubled Orbital Take a look at Flight 1 that completed in 2019 with out reaching the ISS.

Associated: Boeing’s Starliner OFT-2 spacecraft test flight for NASA in amazing photos

Video: Experience aboard Boeing’s Starliner astronaut taxi

Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft is seen in 4 views because it comes down for a touchdown throughout Orbital Flight Take a look at-2 on Could 25, 2022. (Picture credit score: Boeing)

A brand new video from Boeing’s uncrewed take a look at flight of Starliner reveals the grande finale of Orbital Test Flight-2, which flew to the International Space Station and again.

Starliner’s remaining flight minutes on Could 25 present as much as 4 digital camera views, with your complete sequence uploaded on YouTube (opens in new tab).

Learn extra: Ride aboard Boeing’s Starliner astronaut taxi as it returns to Earth in this video

Boeing Starliner’s 1st NASA astronaut delayed to February 2023

Boeing’s Starliner space capsule docked on the Worldwide Area Station. (Picture credit score: ESA)

Boeing’s first flight of its Starliner spacecraft for people will wait a couple of extra months. The flight will now launch no sooner than February 2023 because of the want to deal with points recognized on Orbital Flight Take a look at-2 (OFT-2). 

Put up-flight opinions revealed 4 predominant points, Mark Nappi, Starliner vp and program supervisor at Boeing, stated throughout right now’s name, which is able to push Starliner previous its anticipated launch of December 2022. 

Learn extra: Boeing Starliner’s 1st astronaut flight for NASA delayed to February 2023

Starliner lands safely, wrapping up OFT-2 take a look at mission

Boeing’s Starliner capsule nears landing at White Sands Missile Vary in New Mexico on Could 25, 2022. (Picture credit score: NASA TV)

Boeing’s Starliner capsule landed safely at White Sands Missile Vary in New Mexico right now (Could 25) at 6:49 p.m. EDT (2249 GMT), wrapping up its uncrewed Orbital Flight Take a look at 2 (OFT-2) mission to the Worldwide Area Station. Learn our touchdown story.

The six-day-long OFT-2 was a key hurdle that Boeing needed to clear earlier than NASA certifies Starliner to hold astronauts. Certification just isn’t assured at this level, nevertheless; NASA and Boeing groups nonetheless want to investigate the information gathered through the mission.

Starliner now in view

Monitoring cameras within the air and on the bottom have caught their first glimpses of Starliner because it returns to Earth, choosing up views of the capsule right now (Could 25) about eight minutes earlier than its deliberate 6:49 p.m. EDT (2249 GMT) landing.

Starliner hits Earth’s ambiance

Starliner started feeling the results of Earth’s ambiance right now (Could 25) at 6:33 p.m. EDT (2233 GMT), hitting the air at about 17 occasions the velocity of sound. The capsule stays on observe for a landing at New Mexico’s White Sands Missile Vary at 6:49 p.m. EDT (2249 GMT).

Starliner conducts de-orbit burn

Starliner carried out a 58-second de-orbit burn right now (Could 25) at 6:05 p.m. EDT (2205 GMT) as deliberate, NASA officers stated. The burn slowed Starliner’s velocity by 285 mph (459 kph), protecting the capsule on observe for a landing in New Mexico at 6:49 p.m. EDT (2249 GMT). A couple of minutes after the burn wrapped up, Starliner jettisoned its service module, one other milestone that occurred proper on schedule.

Starliner headed again to Earth

Boeing’s Starliner OFT-2 is seen flying by SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft seen at backside proper after undocking from the Worldwide Area Station on Could 25, 2022. (Picture credit score: NASA TV)

The Starliner OFt-2 spacecraft is headed again to Earth for a deliberate touchdown at White Sands Area Harbor in New Mexico at 6:49 p.m. EDT (2249 GMT). 

You can watch Starliner’s landing live on Space.com, courtesy of NASA TV, starting at 5:45 p.m. EDT (2145 GMT). 

At 6 p.m. EDT (2200 GMT), Starliner will hearth its main thrusters in a deorbit maneuver to start its descent again to Earth. The spacecraft will jettison its service module and switch its warmth protect to the entrance to guard itself from the searing warmth of reentry. 

Because it descends, Starliner will fly on a northeastern trajectory that brings it over the Pacific Ocean, Baja California and Mexico on the way in which into New Mexico. 

See extra

Starliner undocks from space station

(Picture credit score: NASA TV)

Boeing’s Starliner OFT-2 spacecraft efficiently undocked from the Worldwide Area Station and is making ready to return to Earth.

Starliner undocked from a front-facing port on the station’s U.S.-built Concord module at 2:36 p.m. EDT (1836 GMT) as each spacecraft sailed 257 miles above northern Singapore.

Starliner will fly across the space station earlier than departing the orbiting laboratory and heading again to Earth. It is because of land within the desert of White Sands Area Harbor in New Mexico.

Starliner to depart space station right now

Boeing’s Starliner is on observe for its return to Earth right now, and can start its journey residence with an undocking from the Worldwide Area Station at 2:36 p.m. EDT (1836 GMT). 

You’ll be able to watch the undocking live at Space.com, courtesy of NASA TV.

Here is a timeline of what to anticipate right now:

  • 2 p.m. EDT (1900 GMT): NASA/Boeing Starliner undocking webcast begins
  • 2:36 p.m. EDT (1836 GMT): Starliner OFT-2 undocking from ISS
  • 5:45 p.m. EDT (2145 GMT): NASA/Boeing Starliner deorbit and touchdown webcast begins
  • 6:05 p.m. EDT (2205 GMT): Deorbit burn
  • 6:49 p.m. EDT (2249 GMT): Touchdown
  • 9 p.m. EDT (0200 GMT): Put up-landing press convention.

Astronauts shut Starliner’s hatch forward of Wednesday departure

NASA astronaut Kjell Lindgren (left) works to get Boeing’s Starliner capsule prepared for hatch closure on Could 24, 2022 because the dummy Rosie the Rocketeer appears on. (Picture credit score: NASA TV)

Astronauts on the Worldwide Area Station (ISS) closed the hatch connecting the visiting Boeing Starliner capsule to the orbiting lab right now (Could 24) at 3 p.m. EDT (1900 GMT). The milestone second got here as the 2 spacecraft have been zooming 262 miles (422 kilometers) over Belgium, NASA commentators stated throughout a hatch-closure webcast.

Starliner is not prepared to depart the ISS simply but, nevertheless. The uncrewed capsule is scheduled to depart on Wednesday (Could 25) at 2:36 p.m. EDT (1836 GMT) and land within the New Mexico desert about 4 hours later.

ISS astronauts to bid farewell to Starliner right now

Starliner, photographed by cosmonaut Sergei Korsakov. (Picture credit score: Sergei Korsakov/Roscosmos)

Astronauts on the Worldwide Area Station (ISS) will make some farewell remarks about Boeing’s visiting Starliner capsule right now (Could 24) at 12:15 p.m. EDT (1615 GMT). They then plan to shut the hatches between the 2 spacecraft at 1:55 p.m. EDT (1755 GMT). You’ll be able to watch the motion stay right here at Area.com, courtesy of NASA.

Starliner is not able to depart the ISS simply but, nevertheless. The spacecraft is scheduled to detach from the orbiting lab tomorrow afternoon (Could 25) and return to Earth a couple of hours later, at 6:49 p.m. EDT (2249 GMT), wrapping up its six-day Orbital Flight Take a look at 2 mission.

Boeing’s Starliner open for enterprise on ISS

An astronaut enters the Starliner spacecraft for the primary time. (Picture credit score: NASA)

Astronauts aboard the Worldwide Area Station have opened up the Starliner spacecraft and brought their first look inside. 

NASA astronaut Robert Hines was the primary to enter Starliner after opening its hatch at 12:04 p.m. EDT (1604 GMT). He was adopted by crewmate Kjell Lindgren and the pair rapidly arrange air flow hoses, cameras and different gear inside. 

Additionally they met Starliner’s solely crewmember, the model Rosie the Rocketeer, who made the journey up within the commander’s seat on Starliner. 

Starliner will spend about 5 days docked on the space station whereas astronauts measure its setting conduct assessments to measure its efficiency on the station. 

It is opening day for Starliner on ISS

Russian cosmonaut Sergei Korsakov captured this view of Boeing’s Starliner arrival on the Worldwide Area Station on Could 20, 2022. (Picture credit score: Sergei Korsakov/Roscosmos)

Astronauts on the Worldwide Area Station will open Boeing’s first Starliner to visit the station today (Could 21), one day after its arrival to the orbiting lab. 

The hatches between the 2 spacecraft are scheduled to be opened at 11:45 a.m. EDT (1545 GMT), with NASA’s stay webcast of the occasion starting at 11:30 a.m. EDT (1530 GMT). You’ll be able to watch the hatch opening on Space.com’s homepage.

Within the meantime, try these spectacular photos of Starliner as seen by astronauts through the docking on Friday.

Docking! Boeing’s Starliner arrives at ISS

Boeing’s Starliner OFT-2 spacecraft docked to the Worldwide Area Station on Could 20, 2022, about 1 hour, 21 minutes later than initially deliberate. (Picture credit score: NASA TV)

Boeing’s Starliner successfully docked at the International Space Station at 8:28 p.m. EDT (0028 GMT Could 21) as each craft sailed 271 miles above the South Indian Ocean. 

The docking got here just below 22 hours after the spacecraft launched towards the station on an Atlas V rocket. 

Starliner is the second business spacecraft designed to ferry astronauts to succeed in the space station after SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft. That is Boeing’s first Starliner docking on the station.

NASA will maintain a press convention at 9:30 p.m. EDT (0230 GMT Could 21) to debate right now’s docking success. You can follow that press conference on the Space.com homepage.

New Starliner docking time: 8:46 pm ET (0046 GMT)

Boeing and NASA at the moment are concentrating on 8:46 p.m. EDT (0046 GMT) to dock Starliner OFT-2 to the Worldwide Area Station. That’s the finish of tonight’s docking window.

“We do anticipate to make this window,” Mission Management simply informed the ISS crew.

Starliner docking delayed for system reset

Boeing flight controllers have delayed Starliner’s docking on the Worldwide Area Station one other Half-hour with a purpose to reset the spacecraft’s NASA Docking System. They’re going to must retract Starliner’s docking ring and reset it to clear a problem with the system, NASA officers stated. 

A brand new precise docking time will likely be decided as soon as the docking system is reset.

Starliner docking delayed once more

Flight controllers have reported “a small challenge” with the docking system on Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, delaying tonight’s docking a bit extra. 

A brand new docking time is anticipated shortly. 

Starliner simply 10 meters from ISS

Boeing’s Starliner OFT-2 spacecraft sits 10 meters from the Worldwide Area Station throughout its first-ever docking operations on Could 20, 2022. (Picture credit score: NASA TV)

Boeing’s Starliner is now holding about 10 meters away from the space station as flight controllers put together for its remaining strategy. 

The spacecraft has a brand new docking time of simply after 8 p.m. EDT (0000 GMT), with a remaining thruster maneuver set for 7:57 p.m. EDT (2357 GMT).  

Starliner docking time delayed to 2nd alternative

Boeing’s Starliner OFT-2 spacecraft approaches the Worldwide Area Station throughout its first-ever docking operations on Could 20, 2022. (Picture credit score: NASA TV)

Boeing and NASA flight controllers have waved off the primary docking alternative for Starliner OFT-2 and at the moment are concentrating on a second, backup alternative that might name for the spacecraft to fireplace its thrusters for remaining strategy at 7:53 p.m. EDT (2353 GMT). 

Meaning Starliner is not going to dock at its initially deliberate time of seven:10 p.m. EDT (2310 GMT). A brand new docking time is about for 7:57 p.m. EDT (2357 GMT). 

Starliner on strategy to space station

Boeing’s Starliner is now on strategy to the Worldwide Area Station to make its manner to a degree about 10 meters away from its docking port as flight controllers assess its monitoring knowledge and efficiency. 

A short time in the past, flight controllers gave Starliner a go to proceed after a maintain to review why the spacecraft gave the impression to be ready that was not on the middle of its deliberate strategy. The controllers confirmed that the place mismatch was a false indication and Starliner was within the correct place.

Starliner conducts “strategy and retreat” maneuver

(Picture credit score: NASA TV)

Starliner has carried out an “strategy and retreat” maneuver, notching one other milestone on the trail towards its deliberate docking with the Worldwide Area Station lower than an hour from now.

“After coming inside 180 meters of @Space_Station, #Starliner carried out an automated retreat to 200 meters. The capsule has proven its skill to again away from the station in a managed and well timed method and maintain at an anticipated location,” Boeing representatives said via Twitter (opens in new tab) this afternoon (Could 20).

Docking is anticipated to happen round 7:10 p.m. EDT (2310 GMT). Be taught extra in our docking preview.

Starliner flies round space station — twice

Boeing’s Starliner capsule continues to verify off its pre-docking milestones on its uncrewed OFT-2 flight take a look at to the Worldwide Area Station (ISS). 

The spacecraft efficiently accomplished two “inbound flyaround maneuvers” this afternoon (Could 20), Boeing representatives announced via Twitter (opens in new tab). The notching of such milestones retains Starliner on the right track to dock with the ISS round 7:10 p.m. EDT (2310 GMT). Be taught extra in our docking preview story.

Starliner now seen from Worldwide Area Station

Boeing’s Starliner capsule as seen from the Worldwide Area Station on Could 20, 2022. (Picture credit score: NASA TV)

Astronauts aboard the Worldwide Area Station have caught their first glimpse of Boeing’s Starliner capsule.

Starliner is headed for a docking with the orbiting lab right now (Could 20) at round 7:10 p.m. EDT (2310 GMT), an enormous a part of the spacecraft’s uncrewed Orbital Flight Take a look at-2 (OFT-2) mission. And Starliner has now come inside view of the station.

“She’s right here! Solely a small dot for now, however quickly she is going to knock at our door. #Starliner #OFT2,” the European Area Company’s Samantha Cristoforetti, who arrived on the ISS final month on SpaceX’s Crew-4 mission for NASA, said via Twitter right now at 4:36 p.m. EDT (2036 GMT).

You’ll be able to study extra in our Starliner docking preview.

Starliner acing in-orbit assessments to date, Boeing says

Boeing’s Starliner OFT-2 capsule lifts off atop a ULA Atlas V rocket on Could 19, 2022. (Picture credit score: United Launch Alliance)

Boeing’s Starliner capsule has been performing properly because it reached orbit on its uncrewed OFT-2 flight take a look at to the Worldwide Area Station, firm representatives say.

The capsule, which launched Thursday evening (Could 19), is scheduled to dock with the orbiting lab right now (Could 20) round 7:10 p.m. EDT (2310 GMT). Starliner has been conducting a variety of assessments en path to the ISS, and so they’ve all gone properly, in keeping with Boeing.

“Flight management groups proceed to study extra in regards to the automobile and about how it’s working in space, and it continues to carry out properly because it makes its manner towards the station,” firm representatives stated in an emailed assertion this afternoon. “The Steering, Navigation and Management (GN&C) methods are performing nominally. Flight software program is executing as designed. Energy technology is optimistic.”

Groups are investigating “off-nominal habits” in a thermal cooling loop, the assertion added, however Starliner continues to keep up a secure temperature regardless of that challenge.

The assertion additionally shed some gentle on the failure of two Starliner thrusters through the capsule’s orbital insertion burn yesterday, glitches that the capsule overcame by firing up a backup thruster.

“The groups have concluded {that a} chamber drop in stress prompted the [thruster] cutoff,” the assertion added. “That system operated usually throughout the entire propulsion system demonstrations, and with redundancies in place, doesn’t pose a danger to the remainder of the flight take a look at.”

Read our docking preview.

Starliner docking with ISS round 7:10 pm ET right now: Watch it stay

Boeing’s Starliner OFT-2 capsule separates from its Atlas V rocket higher stage on Could 19, 2022. (Picture credit score: NASA TV)

Boeing’s Starliner capsule is scheduled to dock with the Worldwide Area Station right now (Could 20) round 7:10 p.m. EDT (2310 GMT), an enormous milestone for the spacecraft and its OFT-2 mission. 

Protection of rendezvous and docking actions begins right now at 3:30 p.m. EDT (1930 GMT), and you may watch it stay right here at Area.com, courtesy of NASA. Read our docking preview story.

Docking day for Boeing’s Starliner OFT-2

A video nonetheless of Boeing’s Starliner OFT-2 capsule separating from its Atlas V rocket higher stage.  (Picture credit score: NASA TV)

It is docking day for Boeing’s Starliner OFT-2 space capsule, which is chasing the Worldwide Area Station for a deliberate rendezvous later tonight. 

The Starliner spacecraft is launched into orbit final evening (Could 19) and is scheduled to dock itself on the station tonight at 7:10 p.m. EDT (2310 GMT). You can watch the Starliner docking live beginning at 3 p.m. EDT (1900 GMT).

In a press convention late Thursday, Boeing and NASA officers stated the Starliner OFT-2 spacecraft is doing properly in space on its uncrewed flight. Throughout an orbital insertion burn to enter orbit about 31 minutes after liftoff, two of the capsule’s 12 big thrusters failed however the remaining 10 have been in a position to compensate for the loss. 

Boeing engineers are investigating the glitch, however it isn’t anticipated to pose a problem for right now’s deliberate docking.

NASA, Boeing Starliner launch briefing at 9 pm ET

An Atlas V rocket carrying Boeing’s Starliner OFT-2 space capsule launches from Area Launch Complicated 40 of the Cape Canaveral Area Drive Station on Could 19, 2022. (Picture credit score: United Launch Alliance)

NASA and Boeing will maintain a press convention at 9 p.m. EDT (0200 GMT on Could 19) to debate tonight’s successful launch of the Starliner OFT-2 test flight to the Worldwide Area Station. 

You’ll be able to watch the press conference live on Space.com.

Talking throughout tonight’s briefing will likely be: 

  • Kathryn Lueders, affiliate administrator, NASA Area Operations Mission Directorate
  • Steve Stich, supervisor, NASA’s Business Crew Program
  • Joel Montalbano, supervisor, NASA’s Worldwide Area Station Program
  • Mark Nappi, vp and program supervisor, Boeing Business Crew Program
  • John Elbon, chief working officer, United Launch Alliance

Boeing’s Starliner reaches orbit!

A Boeing graphic displaying the thruster firings of the Starliner OFT-2 space capsule throughout orbital insertion burn. (Picture credit score: NASA TV)

Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft has successfully reached orbit after a brief 45-second orbital insertion burn. 

“We have now an excellent orbital insertion burn. Starliner is in an excellent, secure round orbit on its method to the Worldwide Area Station,” a Boeing’s Josh Barrett says.

The spacecraft is now on a 20.5-hour journey to the Worldwide Area Station, with docking set for Friday, Could 20, at 7:10 p.m. EDT (2310 GMT)

You’ll watch Starliner’s strategy and docking on the space station stay starting at 3 p.m. EDT (1900 GMT). Here is how to watch the Starliner mission online.

Boeing’s Starliner separates from Atlas V rocket

(Picture credit score: NASA TV)

Boeing’s Starliner OFT-2 capsule has efficiently separated from its Centaur rocket higher stage and is now flying in space by itself. 

Up subsequent is a important orbital insertion burn to succeed in its supposed orbit. That engine burn is scheduled for about 31 minutes after liftoff (that is about 7:25 p.m. EDT or 2325 GMT). 

Liftoff! Atlas V rocket launches Starliner OFT-2

(Picture credit score: NASA TV)

Liftoff! The Atlas V rocket carrying Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft for NASA has launched off its pad and is heading to space. 

The rocket has efficiently separated its booster from its twin-engine Centaur higher stage, which is presently powering upward with the Starliner spacecraft. 

All methods proceed to carry out properly.

Atlas V rocket “GO” for Boeing Starliner launch

The United Launch Alliance, Boeing and NASA have carried out one remaining ballot and located the Atlas V rocket and Starliner OFT-2 spacecraft “GO” for launch. 

All methods are performing properly for this second try to launch the OFT-2 mission after delays final yr attributable to valve points, which have since been resolved. 

Starliner space capsule on inside energy

(Picture credit score: NASA TV)

Boeing’s Starliner space capsule for the OFT-2 take a look at flight has switched to inside energy for right now’s launch. Liftoff stays on observe for a 6:54 p.m. EDT (2254 GMT). 

All methods stay “go” for right now’s launch. 

The Crew Entry Arm at Starliner’s Area Launch Complicated 40 pad at Cape Canaveral Area Drive Station has moved away from the spacecraft and Atlas V rocket. 

Boeing’s Starliner OFT-2: Climate appears good for launch

(Picture credit score: NASA TV)

With lower than hour remaining till launch, Boeing’s Starliner OFT-2 take a look at flight on its Atlas V rocket has clear skies for launch. 

Climate officers say situations provide a 90% probability of excellent climate for launch. 

A remaining launch readiness ballot is coming quickly.

Starliner’s Atlas V fueled for launch

(Picture credit score: NASA/Joel Kowsky)

The Atlas V rocket carrying Boeing’s Starliner OFT-2 space capsule is now absolutely fueled for its launch tonight at 6:54 p.m. EDT (2254 GMT). 

“The United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket that may elevate the automobile into space is now fueled and configured for secure replenish,” Boeing reported in a status update (opens in new tab). “Moreover, the pad workforce has been cleared to re-enter Area Launch Complicated-41 for spacecraft closeout operations.”

The Starliner spacecraft’s service module oxidation valves accomplished their remaining biking verify earlier than launch and are working properly. Caught valves in that system are what stalled the July 2021 launch try for Starliner. 

“The valves have been cycled seven occasions since propellant loading on the manufacturing unit,” Boeing wrote in an replace. “As a part of customary prelaunch ops, at about L-Half-hour, they’ll be opened for flight.”

Viewers in southeastern US may even see OFT-2 launch: Visibility map

Visibility map for the OFT-2 launch on Could 19, 2022. (Picture credit score: ULA by way of Twitter)

In the event you stay close to the Atlantic coast within the southeastern United States, you may be capable to catch a glimpse of a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket carrying Boeing’s Starliner capsule into the sky this night (Could 19) on its OFT-2 mission. 

OFT-2 is scheduled to launch at 6:54 p.m. EDT (2254 GMT) from Florida’s Cape Canaveral Area Drive Station. Will you be capable to see it? Learn extra in our launch-visibility story.

Launch day for Boeing Starliner OFT-2

Boeing’s Starliner OFT-2 spacecraft and its Atlas V rocket roll to the launch pad on Could 18, 2022. (Picture credit score: NASA/Joel Kowsky)

It’s launch day once again for Boeing’s Starliner OFT-2 test flight to the Worldwide Area Station, with the launch time set for six:54 p.m. EDT (2254 GMT) tonight. 

Boeing’s second Starliner spacecraft and its Atlas V rocket will launch on an uncrewed take a look at flight to space station to show its prepared to hold astronauts to and from the station for NASA. The mission has been a longtime coming. 

A December 2019 take a look at flight launched into orbit however failed to succeed in the station. That was OFT-1. Then, in July 2021, an try to launch OFT-2 was stalled attributable to caught thruster valves. Now, Boeing has addressed the valve challenge and is able to strive once more. 

The United Launch Alliance, which constructed the Atlas V rocket, rolled the booster out to its pad at Area Launch Complicated 40 on the Cape Canaveral Area Drive Station yesterday. The first NASA astronauts who will launch on Starliner – Sunita Williams, Mike Fincke and Butch Wilmore – informed reporters Wednesday that they are excited to look at Starliner launch on its OFT-2 mission since it would set the stage for their very own Crew Flight Take a look at-1 mission within the close to future. 

NASA’s webcast for the launch will start at 6 p.m. EDT (2200 GMT). You’ll be able to watch the Boeing Starliner launch stay by way of liftoff. Here is a webcast schedule from NASA:

Thursday, Could 19

  • 6 p.m. EDT (2200 GMT): Launch protection begins NASA’s Boeing Orbital Flight Take a look at-2 from the Cape Canaveral Area Drive Station, Fla.
  • 6:54 pm EDT (2254 GMT): Launch, with protection continues by way of the orbital insertion engine firing for Starliner roughly 31 minutes after liftoff. 
  • 9 p.m. EDT (0200 GMT on Could 20): NASA’s Boeing Orbital Flight Take a look at-2 post-launch information convention (time topic to alter) 

Friday, Could 20

  • 3:30 p.m. EDT (1930 GMT): Protection of the rendezvous and docking on the Worldwide Area Station
  • 7:10 p.m. EDT (2310 GMT): Docking 

Saturday, Could 21

  • 11:30 a.m. EDT (1530 GMT): Protection of the opening of the hatch to NASA’s Boeing Orbital Flight Take a look at-2 automobile on the Worldwide Area Station 
  • 11:45 a.m. EDT (1545 GMT): Hatch opening, protection will proceed by way of welcoming remarks by the crew)
  • 1 p.m. EDT (1700 GMT): Welcoming remarks by the Expedition 67 crew on the arrival of NASA’s Boeing Orbital Flight Take a look at-2 automobile to the Worldwide Area Station

— Tariq Malik

Starliner on observe for Could 19 launch of OFT-2 mission

(Picture credit score: NASA/Ben Smegelsky)

Boeing’s Starliner astronaut taxi is all set for a Thursday (Could 19) launch of OFT-2, a vital uncrewed flight to the Worldwide Area Station. 

Boeing, NASA, and United Launch Alliance, which is supplying OFT-2’s Atlas V rocket, held a launch readiness overview for the mission right now (Could 17), and every thing went properly. “It was brief; it was very clear. There’s actually no points that ULA, Boeing or NASA are working for the launch developing,” Steve Stich, supervisor of NASA’s Business Crew Program, stated throughout a press convention right now. Read our full story here.

NASA, Boeing prelaunch information convention right now

NASA and Boeing will maintain a prelaunch information convention right now, Could 17, at 12 p.m. EDT (1600 GMT) to debate launch plans for Boeing’s OFT-2 Starliner take a look at flight to the Worldwide Area Station and you can watch it stay on-line. 

The press convention will likely be carried stay on NASA TV and you may watch the briefing on the Space.com homepage at begin time. Talking within the convention will likely be: 

  • Steve Stich, supervisor, NASA’s Business Crew Program
  • Dana Weigel, deputy supervisor, NASA’s Worldwide Area Station Program
  • Mark Nappi, vp and program supervisor, Boeing Business Crew Program
  • Gary Wentz, vp, Authorities and Business Applications, ULA
  • Will Ulrich, launch climate officer, U.S. Area Drive, forty fifth Climate Squadron, Area Launch Delta 45

Boeing’s Starliner OFT-2 mission is scheduled to launch on an Atlas V rocket on Could 19 from Cape Canaveral Area Drive Station in Florida. Liftoff is about for six:54 p.m. EDT (2254 GMT). 

The mission is an uncrewed take a look at flight to the Worldwide Area Station to show out the Starliner spacecraft’s methods forward of a crewed business flight for NASA.

Starliner is ‘go’ for Could 19 launch to space station

(Picture credit score: United Launch Alliance)

NASA has cleared Boeing’s Starliner capsule for a deliberate Could 19 launch on Orbital Flight Take a look at-2 (OFT-2), a vital uncrewed mission to the International Space Station.

The choice got here after a prolonged flight readiness overview on Wednesday (Could 11). Learn extra here.

OFT-2 was initially purported to launch in August 2021, however technicians found that 13 of the 24 oxidizer valves within the capsule’s propulsion system have been caught. Diagnosing and troubleshooting this issue ended taking about eight months.

Starliner will return to the manufacturing unit for troubleshooting

See extra

Boeing’s Starliner is heading again to the processing facility for extra checks, and the OFT-2 mission remains to be delayed indefinitely.

“We have decided #Starliner will return to our manufacturing unit for deeper-level troubleshooting of 4 propulsion system valves. With @NASA, we have determined to face down for this launch window to make manner for different nationwide precedence missions,” Boeing tweeted (opens in new tab) right now. You’ll be able to read the full update from Boeing here.  (opens in new tab)

Starliner OFT-2 replace coming right now

The United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket and Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft sit on Area Launch Complicated 41 at Cape Canaveral Area Drive Station at sundown, on Aug. 2, 2021. (Picture credit score: ULA)

NASA and Boeing are holding a information convention right now at 1 p.m. EDT (1700 GMT) to debate the newest delays of the Starliner OFT-2 mission. You’ll be able to listen to the teleconference live here at Space.com, courtesy of NASA.

Learn extra: Stuck valves on Boeing’s Starliner keep critical space station test flight on hold

Again inside for Starliner

See extra

Boeing’s Starliner atop its United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket has rolled again into the Vertical Integration Facility at Cape Canaveral Area Drive Station to permit technicians to proceed troubleshooting a glitch that interfered with Tuesday’s scheduled launch. Read more.

Boeing postpones launch indefinitely

See extra

Boeing has determined to step again from the Wednesday (Aug. 4) launch goal for Starliner after discovering a valve within the propulsion system in an improper place and never with the ability to rapidly establish the reason for the anomaly.

“We will let the information lead our work,” John Vollmer, vp and program supervisor for Boeing’s Business Crew Program, stated in a statement (opens in new tab). “Our workforce has labored diligently to make sure the security and success of this mission, and we is not going to launch till our automobile is performing nominally and our groups are assured it is able to fly.”

Learn our story in regards to the indefinite launch delay here.

Launch is scrubbed

Per Boeing’s Twitter: “We’re confirming right now’s #Starliner Orbital Flight Take a look at-2 launch is scrubbed. Extra particulars quickly.”

Countdown enters deliberate maintain

Starliner’s Atlas V rocket has simply entered a deliberate four-hour maintain at T-minus 4 minutes earlier than launch, United Launch Alliance reports on Twitter. The prolonged maintain is to simulate the procedures earlier than an astronaut crew enters the spacecraft. Whereas that is not taking place right now (this launch is an uncrewed take a look at), ULA says it plans to simulate crew ingress procedures throughout Orbital Take a look at Flight-2.

Launch forecast at 50 %

United Launch Alliance stories that the climate forecast stands at 50-50 for the time of the Atlas V launch with Boeing’s Starliner on board, at 1:20 p.m. EDT (1720 GMT). That stated, the present climate has “no risk of lightning for the Blue Crew’s entrance into the launch pad and for his or her work” at Cape Canaveral Area Drive Station, ULA said on Twitter.

Fueling full

United Launch Alliance despatched a Twitter update informing that the fuelling of the Atlas V rocket is full. The corporate says the rocket is to date on observe to launch on time at 1:20 p.m. EDT (1720 GMT), though after all that can even depend upon climate.

Launch preparations proceed

See extra

Launch is coming quickly! United Launch Alliance personnel are busy filling the rocket’s first stage with gasoline about 5 hours earlier than lift-off.

NASA astronauts are excited for the launch

NASA astronauts cannot wait to see Starliner fly right now. The mission marks a vital milestone earlier than they and their colleagues will be capable to give the capsule a spin for themselves. Read more.

Atlas V and Starliner are “now in launch place”

(Picture credit score: NASA by way of Twitter)

The Atlas V rocket and Starliner spacecraft returned to the launch pad early this morning after ready out the launch delay contained in the Vertical Integration Facility. See photos of their second rollout here

“Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner is now in launch place on Area Launch Complicated 41 at Cape Canaveral Area Drive Station in Florida,” Boeing said in an update (opens in new tab). “The Starliner, which is mated to the highest of a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket, rolled to the launch pad on prepare tracks at a velocity of about 1 mph from the Vertical Integration Facility, situated about 1 mile from the launch website.”

You’ll be able to preview the OFT-2 mission in a new video animation beneath:

Again out to the pad!

See extra

After spending the weekend inside in case of unhealthy climate, Starliner and its Atlas V rocket at the moment are headed again out to the launch pad in preparation for tomorrow’s flight.

Climate forecast: 60% go for launch

Meteorologists with the U.S. Area Drive’s forty fifth Climate Squadron at the moment are predicting a 60% probability of favorable climate for liftoff on Tuesday.

“The first climate issues for launch day are the cumulus cloud rule, lightning rule and thick cloud rule violations through the instantaneous launch window,” NASA officers wrote in an update (opens in new tab).

See extra

Forecasting launch day’s climate

Will unhealthy climate intervene with Tuesday’s launch? Possibly, or the rocket may blast off earlier than the storms roll in. Read more.

OFT-2 in footage

Whereas we wait out the launch delay, try the total story of OFT-2 in photographs with this gallery.

Starliner heads again inside

A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket with Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner spacecraft aboard is seen as it’s rolled again to the Vertical Integration Facility from the launch pad at Area Launch Complicated 41 to keep away from inclement climate, Friday, July 30, 2021 at Cape Canaveral Area Drive Station in Florida. (Picture credit score: NASA/Joel Kowsky)

With launch delayed to no sooner than Tuesday (Aug. 3) and unhealthy climate anticipated to hit the Area Coast, the Starliner capsule and its Atlas V rocket headed off the launch pad for shelter. Read more here.

New launch date introduced

NASA officers introduced throughout a information convention that Starliner will now goal launch on Tuesday (Aug. 3) at 1:20 p.m. EDT (1720 GMT). If that launch date holds, the capsule will arrive on the Worldwide Area Station on Wednesday (Aug. 4). Read more.

Starliner launch delayed

NASA and Boeing have delayed Friday’s deliberate launch of the uncrewed Starliner OFT-2 mission and are establishing a brand new launch date, in keeping with a NASA statement (opens in new tab). The delay comes after Russia’s Nauka module briefly tilted the Worldwide Area Station by firing its thrusters in an unplanned maneuver you can examine here.

We’ll replace with a brand new launch date as quickly as potential.

“Success in spaceflight is achieved by hundreds of thousands of parts coming collectively and dealing in excellent concord,” Boeing officers wrote in a statement (opens in new tab) in regards to the delay. “That is the character of our enterprise, and that requires endurance. We stand able to launch the CST-100 Starliner when the time is correct, as we help NASA on the Worldwide Area Station.”

Starliner and Atlas V roll out

ULA’s 172-foot (52 meters) Atlas V rocket, with Starliner secured on high, left the Vertical Integration Facility right now (July 29) and rolled out to its launch pad, Area Launch Complicated 41 at Cape Canaveral Area Drive Station in Florida. Learn our rollout story here.

(Picture credit score: United Launch Alliance)

L-1 Day!

What is the massive take care of this launch? Don’t fret, we have you lined. Take a look at a deep dive on Boeing’s bumpy ride to the launchpad and brush up on every aspect of the mission, from what’s on board to what comes subsequent.

Starliner spends yet one more evening on the VIF

(Picture credit score: Boeing/Twitter)

Boeing simply shared a brand new photograph of its Starliner spacecraft contained in the Vertical Integration Facility at Cape Canaveral Area Drive Station because the Atlas V rocket awaits its delayed rollout to the launchpad, now scheduled for 8 a.m. EDT (1200 GMT) tomorrow (Thursday, July 29). 

“Storms rolled in, so Starliner didnt roll out,” Boeing tweeted (opens in new tab) right now. “#Starliner and #AtlasV are protected within the @ulalaunch Vertical Integration Facility and able to roll tomorrow morning.”

Atlas V rocket rollout delayed

A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket stands able to obtain its treasured cargo — Boeing’s Starliner for the OFT-2 mission — on the Vertical Integration Facility (VIF) at Area Launch Complicated-41 at Cape Canaveral Area Drive Station in Florida, on July 17, 2021.  (Picture credit score: ULA)

The United Launch Alliance (opens in new tab) (ULA) and Boeing had initially deliberate to move the Atlas V rocket (opens in new tab) for the OFT-2 mission to the launchpad this morning, however the rollout has been postponed till Thursday (July 29), starting at 8 a.m. EDT (1200 GMT). 

“The delay is because of an web service supplier outage that might not be resolved earlier than the onset of predicted climate exceeding operational constraints. The OFT-2 launch, deliberate for Friday, July 30, at 2:53 p.m. EDT, stays on observe,” NASA officers wrote in a blog post (opens in new tab)

Talking of climate, presently the forecast is wanting solely 40% favorable for Starliner’s deliberate launch on Saturday. “At the moment, the likelihood of violation stays at 60%, with the first issues being the Cumulus Cloud, Floor Electrical Fields, and Lightning Guidelines,” the U.S. Area Drive’s 45th Weather Squadron (opens in new tab) stated within the newest climate replace. 

Boeing’s plan for the flight

Atone for the plan for Starliner’s second uncrewed launch with this video from Boeing (opens in new tab).

Starliner OFT-2 prelaunch briefing begins now!

NASA and Boeing are about to start right now’s prelaunch information convention for the Starliner OFT-2 mission. The briefing begins at 1 p.m. EDT (1700 GMT), and you may watch that live here on Space.com (opens in new tab), courtesy of NASA TV. 

Launch climate replace

(Picture credit score: John Grant/Boeing)

The launch climate forecast for Friday’s deliberate launch of the Starliner OFT-2 mission presently predicts solely a 40% probability of acceptable situations for liftoff, in keeping with an replace from the U.S. Area Drive’s Space Launch Delta 45 Weather Squadron (opens in new tab)

NASA and Boeing officers will maintain a prelaunch information convention for OFT-2 tomorrow (July 27) at 1 p.m. EDT (1700 GMT). You’ll be able to watch that live here on Space.com (opens in new tab), courtesy of NASA TV. 

(Picture credit score: Kim Shiflett/NASA)

The CST-100 Starliner capsule has handed its flight readiness overview (FRR) for the upcoming liftoff, which is able to kick off the uncrewed Orbital Flight Take a look at 2 (OFT-2) mission to the station, NASA and Boeing representatives introduced right now (July 22). Read the full story here.

Over the weekend, engineers mated the Starliner spacecraft to its Atlas V rocket, marking a key milestone forward of the mission’s launch subsequent week. See the photos here.





Source link

NO COMMENTS

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Exit mobile version