Current:Home > MyBoeing finds new problems with Starliner space capsule and delays first crewed launch -EverVision Finance
Boeing finds new problems with Starliner space capsule and delays first crewed launch
View
Date:2025-04-17 21:24:35
Boeing has indefinitely delayed next month's launch of its Starliner capsule — which would have carried the first humans — after engineers found several worrying problems.
These included the use of "hundreds of feet" of adhesive tape that's flammable and defects with the spacecraft's parachute system. Boeing made the announcement late Thursday at a hastily-called news conference with NASA officials.
It's the latest setback for Boeing which has been plagued by years of development delays and has yet to fly its first crewed Starliner mission.
After the space shuttle was retired in 2011, NASA needed a way to ferry people to and from the International Space Station. In 2014, NASA awarded Boeing more than $4 billion under its Commercial Crew program to build the capsule. At the same time, NASA also selected SpaceX to build and design a competing system which has already sent humans into space ten times (including seven missions for NASA).
Starliner has flown twice. The first mission, in 2019, failed to reach the I.S.S. after its on-board clock malfunctioned. The second test flight, in 2022, did dock with the I.S.S. and was deemed a success. Boeing had been working towards a July 21 launch to send two NASA astronauts to the I.S.S. This mission has been delayed several times and this latest setback is concerning.
Just weeks before the launch attempt, Boeing managers determined that adhesive tape used to wrap and protect hundreds of yards of wiring inside the capsule could be flammable under certain circumstances.
In addition, the lines connecting the capsule to its trio of parachutes were not as strong as Boeing believed. During landing, it's possible that some of the lines could have snapped - potentially endangering the crew. Starliner is designed to land with just two parachutes. But if one parachute failed - the others could have too.
For all of these reasons, Boeing vice president and Starliner program manager Mark Nappi told reporters the company was standing down, "Safety is always our top priority and that drives this decision." A future test flight date is unknown.
Nappi says they'll take the next several weeks to investigate the design issues and come up with potential solutions. For now, Boeing says it's fully committed to the program and has no plans to stop developing Starliner despite being years behind schedule.
veryGood! (86411)
Related
- Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people
- All smiles, Prince Harry returns to the UK for children's charity event
- Bachelor Nation's Kendall Long Is Pregnant, Expecting First Baby With Husband Mitchell Sagely
- Mountain terrain, monstrous rain: What caused North Carolina's catastrophic flooding
- Selena Gomez engaged to Benny Blanco after 1 year together: 'Forever begins now'
- Reporter Taylor Lorenz exits Washington Post after investigation into Instagram post
- Officials identify driver who crashed into a Texas pipeline and sparked a 4-day fire
- John Amos, patriarch on ‘Good Times’ and an Emmy nominee for the blockbuster ‘Roots,’ dies at 84
- US appeals court rejects Nasdaq’s diversity rules for company boards
- Frank Fritz, the 'bearded charmer' of 'American Pickers,' dies 2 years after stroke
Ranking
- What to watch: O Jolie night
- Who are the 2024 MacArthur ‘genius grant’ fellows?
- Social media star MrBallen talks new book, Navy SEALs, mental health
- John Amos, Star of Good Times and Roots, Dead at 84
- What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?
- Tennessee factory employees clung to semitruck before Helene floodwaters swept them away
- Want to help those affected by Hurricane Helene? You can donate to these groups
- Johnny Gaudreau’s NHL Teammates Celebrate His Daughter’s Birthday After His Death
Recommendation
How to watch new prequel series 'Dexter: Original Sin': Premiere date, cast, streaming
A 'Ring of fire' eclipse is happening this week: Here's what you need to know
Travis Kelce Shows Off His Hosting Skills in Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity? Trailer
Parents sue school district following wristband protest against transgender girl at soccer game
The White House is cracking down on overdraft fees
Jared Goff stats today: Lions QB makes history with perfect day vs. Seahawks
Ex-Jaguars worker who stole $22M from team sues FanDuel, saying it preyed on his gambling addiction
Appeals court reinstates Indiana lawsuit against TikTok alleging child safety, privacy concerns