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Boeing has losses of practically $900 million on Starliner

Boeing’s Starliner house capsule touching down after a profitable uncrewed take a look at flight, Orbital Flight Check 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 Worldwide House Station, a submitting by maker Boeing Wednesday (Oct. 26) with the U.S. Securities and Trade Fee (SEC) introduced a cost (opens in new tab) of $195 million in its fiscal third quarter. That brings whole 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 submit 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 Check 2 concluded with a protected landing on Could 25, following a way more troubled Orbital Check Flight 1 that completed in 2019 with out reaching the ISS.

Associated: Boeing’s Starliner OFT-2 spacecraft take a look at flight for NASA in superb pictures

Video: Journey 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 Check-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 Check Flight-2, which flew to the Worldwide House Station and again.

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

Learn extra: Journey aboard Boeing’s Starliner astronaut taxi because it returns to Earth on this video

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

view out of space station window of a spacecraft docked, with the earth in the background

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

Boeing’s first flight of its Starliner spacecraft for people will wait just a few extra months. The flight will now launch no sooner than February 2023 as a result of want to handle points recognized on Orbital Flight Check-2 (OFT-2). 

Submit-flight opinions revealed 4 predominant points, Mark Nappi, Starliner vp and program supervisor at Boeing, stated throughout right this moment’s name, which can 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 touchdown at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico on May 25, 2022.

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 this moment (Could 25) at 6:49 p.m. EDT (2249 GMT), wrapping up its uncrewed Orbital Flight Check 2 (OFT-2) mission to the Worldwide House Station. Learn our landing 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 is just not assured at this level, nevertheless; NASA and Boeing groups nonetheless want to research the information gathered throughout 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, selecting up views of the capsule right this moment (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 this moment (Could 25) at 6:33 p.m. EDT (2233 GMT), hitting the air at about 17 instances the pace of sound. The capsule stays on monitor 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 performed a 58-second de-orbit burn right this moment (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), maintaining the capsule on monitor 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

Photo of Boeing Starliner OFT-2 is seen flying by SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft visible at bottom right after undocking from the International Space Station on May 25, 2022.

Boeing’s Starliner OFT-2 is seen flying by SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft seen at backside proper after undocking from the Worldwide House 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 House Harbor in New Mexico at 6:49 p.m. EDT (2249 GMT). 

You may watch Starliner’s touchdown reside on House.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 house station

(Picture credit score: NASA TV)

Boeing’s Starliner OFT-2 spacecraft efficiently undocked from the Worldwide House Station and is getting 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 house station earlier than departing the orbiting laboratory and heading again to Earth. It is because of land within the desert of White Sands House Harbor in New Mexico.

Starliner to go away house station right this moment

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

You may watch the undocking reside at House.com, courtesy of NASA TV.

This is a timeline of what to anticipate right this moment:

  • 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): Submit-landing press convention.

Astronauts shut Starliner’s hatch forward of Wednesday departure

NASA astronaut Kjell Lindgren works to get Boeing's Starliner capsule ready for hatch closure on May 24, 2022 as the dummy Rosie the Rocketeer looks on.

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 to be like on. (Picture credit score: NASA TV)

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

Starliner is not prepared to go away 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 this moment

Photo of Boeing's Starliner by Russian cosmonaut Sergei Korsakov.

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

Astronauts on the Worldwide House Station (ISS) will make some farewell remarks about Boeing’s visiting Starliner capsule right this moment (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 may watch the motion reside right here at House.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 just a few hours later, at 6:49 p.m. EDT (2249 GMT), wrapping up its six-day Orbital Flight Check 2 mission.

Boeing’s Starliner open for enterprise on ISS

An astronaut enters the Starliner spacecraft for the first time.

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

Astronauts aboard the Worldwide House 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 shortly arrange air flow hoses, cameras and different gear inside. 

In addition 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 house station whereas astronauts measure its setting conduct checks 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 House Station on Could 20, 2022. (Picture credit score: Sergei Korsakov/Roscosmos)

Astronauts on the Worldwide House Station will open Boeing’s first Starliner to go to the station right this moment (Could 21), at some point 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 reside webcast of the occasion starting at 11:30 a.m. EDT (1530 GMT). You may watch the hatch opening on House.com’s homepage.

Within the meantime, take a look at these spectacular pictures of Starliner as seen by astronauts throughout the docking on Friday.

Docking! Boeing’s Starliner arrives at ISS

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

Boeing’s Starliner efficiently docked on the Worldwide House 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 slightly below 22 hours after the spacecraft launched towards the station on an Atlas V rocket. 

Starliner is the second industrial spacecraft designed to ferry astronauts to succeed in the house 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 this moment’s docking success. You may comply with that press convention on the House.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 House Station. That’s the finish of tonight’s docking window.

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

Starliner docking delayed for system reset

Boeing flight controllers have delayed Starliner’s docking on the Worldwide House Station one other Half-hour with a purpose to reset the spacecraft’s NASA Docking System. They will 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 can be decided as soon as the docking system is reset.

Starliner docking delayed once more

Flight controllers have reported “a small subject” 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 House 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 house station as flight controllers put together for its ultimate strategy. 

The spacecraft has a brand new docking time of simply after 8 p.m. EDT (0000 GMT), with a ultimate 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 House 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 will name for the spacecraft to fireside its thrusters for ultimate strategy at 7:53 p.m. EDT (2353 GMT). 

Meaning Starliner won’t dock at its initially deliberate time of seven:10 p.m. EDT (2310 GMT). A brand new docking time is ready for 7:57 p.m. EDT (2357 GMT). 

Starliner on strategy to house station

Boeing’s Starliner is now on strategy to the Worldwide House Station to make its means to some extent about 10 meters away from its docking port as flight controllers assess its monitoring information 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 able 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

Boeing's Starliner capsule conducts a fly-around test leading up to a planned docking with the International Space Station on May 20, 2022.

(Picture credit score: NASA TV)

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

“After coming inside 180 meters of @Space_Station, #Starliner carried out an computerized retreat to 200 meters. The capsule has proven its capability to again away from the station in a managed and well timed method and maintain at an anticipated location,” Boeing representatives stated through 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 house station — twice

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

The spacecraft efficiently accomplished two “inbound flyaround maneuvers” this afternoon (Could 20), Boeing representatives introduced through Twitter (opens in new tab). The notching of such milestones retains Starliner on 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 House Station

Boeing's Starliner capsule as seen from the International Space Station on May 20, 2022, more than two hours before the capsule's planned docking with the orbiting lab.

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

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

Starliner is headed for a docking with the orbiting lab right this moment (Could 20) at round 7:10 p.m. EDT (2310 GMT), an enormous a part of the spacecraft’s uncrewed Orbital Flight Check-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 House Company’s Samantha Cristoforetti, who arrived on the ISS final month on SpaceX’s Crew-4 mission for NASA, stated through Twitter right this moment at 4:36 p.m. EDT (2036 GMT).

You may study extra in our Starliner docking preview.

Starliner acing in-orbit checks thus far, Boeing says

An Atlas V rocket carrying Boeing's Starliner OFT-2 space capsule launches from Space Launch Complex 40 of the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on May 19, 2022.

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 House Station, firm representatives say.

The capsule, which launched Thursday night (Could 19), is scheduled to dock with the orbiting lab right this moment (Could 20) round 7:10 p.m. EDT (2310 GMT). Starliner has been conducting quite a few checks en path to the ISS, and so they’ve all gone properly, in response to Boeing.

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

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 subject.

The assertion additionally shed some gentle on the failure of two Starliner thrusters throughout 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 all the propulsion system demonstrations, and with redundancies in place, doesn’t pose a threat to the remainder of the flight take a look at.”

Learn our docking preview.

Starliner docking with ISS round 7:10 pm ET right this moment: Watch it reside

A video still of Boeing's Starliner OFT-2 capsule separating from its Atlas V rocket upper stage.

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 House Station right this moment (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 this moment at 3:30 p.m. EDT (1930 GMT), and you’ll watch it reside right here at House.com, courtesy of NASA. Learn our docking preview story.

Docking day for Boeing’s Starliner OFT-2

A video still of Boeing's Starliner OFT-2 capsule.

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 house capsule, which is chasing the Worldwide House 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 may watch the Starliner docking reside 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 house on its uncrewed flight. Throughout an orbital insertion burn to enter orbit about 31 minutes after liftoff, two of the capsule’s 12 huge thrusters failed however the remaining 10 had been capable of compensate for the loss. 

Boeing engineers are investigating the glitch, however it’s not anticipated to pose a problem for right this moment’s deliberate docking.

NASA, Boeing Starliner launch briefing at 9 pm ET

Launch photo of an Atlas V rocket carrying Boeing's Starliner OFT-2 space capsule.

An Atlas V rocket carrying Boeing’s Starliner OFT-2 house capsule launches from House Launch Complicated 40 of the Cape Canaveral House 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 profitable launch of the Starliner OFT-2 take a look at flight to the Worldwide House Station. 

You may watch the press convention reside on House.com.

Talking throughout tonight’s briefing can be: 

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

Boeing’s Starliner reaches orbit!

A Boeing graphic showing the thruster firings of the Starliner OFT-2 space capsule during orbital insertion burn.

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

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

“Now we have a superb orbital insertion burn. Starliner is in a superb, secure round orbit on its method to the Worldwide House Station,” a Boeing’s Josh Barrett says.

The spacecraft is now on a 20.5-hour journey to the Worldwide House 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 house station reside starting at 3 p.m. EDT (1900 GMT). This is find out how to watch the Starliner mission on-line.

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 house by itself. 

Up subsequent is a essential orbital insertion burn to succeed in its meant 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

Photo of the Atlas V rocket carrying Boeing Starliner OFT-2 capsule launching into space.

(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 house. 

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

All techniques proceed to carry out properly.

Atlas V rocket “GO” for Boeing Starliner launch

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

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

Starliner house capsule on inner energy

Photo of the Atlas V rocket and Boeing Starliner OFT-2 capsule on launch pad.

(Picture credit score: NASA TV)

Boeing’s Starliner house capsule for the OFT-2 take a look at flight has switched to inner energy for right this moment’s launch. Liftoff stays on monitor for a 6:54 p.m. EDT (2254 GMT). 

All techniques stay “go” for right this moment’s launch. 

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

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

A weather map for Boeing OFT-2 Starliner 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 supply a 90% likelihood of fine climate for launch. 

A ultimate 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 house 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 can elevate the automobile into house is now fueled and configured for secure replenish,” Boeing reported in a standing replace (opens in new tab). “Moreover, the pad group has been cleared to re-enter House Launch Complicated-41 for spacecraft closeout operations.”

The Starliner spacecraft’s service module oxidation valves accomplished their ultimate biking test 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 instances since propellant loading on the manufacturing unit,” Boeing wrote in an replace. “As a part of normal 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 to the International Space Station on May 19, 2022.

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

For those who reside close to the Atlantic coast within the southeastern United States, you would possibly be capable of 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 House Drive Station. Will you be capable of 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 as soon as once more for Boeing’s Starliner OFT-2 take a look at flight to the Worldwide House 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 house 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 and launch OFT-2 was stalled attributable to caught thruster valves. Now, Boeing has addressed the valve subject 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 House Launch Complicated 40 on the Cape Canaveral House Drive Station yesterday. The first NASA astronauts who will launch on Starliner – Sunita Williams, Mike Fincke and Butch Wilmore – instructed reporters Wednesday that they are excited to look at Starliner launch on its OFT-2 mission since it is going to set the stage for their very own Crew Flight Check-1 mission within the close to future. 

NASA’s webcast for the launch will start at 6 p.m. EDT (2200 GMT). You may watch the Boeing Starliner launch reside by liftoff. This is a webcast schedule from NASA:

Thursday, Could 19

  • 6 p.m. EDT (2200 GMT): Launch protection begins NASA’s Boeing Orbital Flight Check-2 from the Cape Canaveral House Drive Station, Fla.
  • 6:54 pm EDT (2254 GMT): Launch, with protection continues by 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 Check-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 House 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 Check-2 automobile on the Worldwide House Station 
  • 11:45 a.m. EDT (1545 GMT): Hatch opening, protection will proceed by 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 Check-2 automobile to the Worldwide House Station

— Tariq Malik

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

Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner spacecraft rolls out from the company’s Commercial Crew and Cargo Processing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on May 4, 2022.

(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 House Station. 

Boeing, NASA, and United Launch Alliance, which is supplying OFT-2’s Atlas V rocket, held a launch readiness evaluate for the mission right this moment (Could 17), and all the things went properly. “It was quick; it was very clear. There’s actually no points that ULA, Boeing or NASA are working for the launch arising,” Steve Stich, supervisor of NASA’s Industrial Crew Program, stated throughout a press convention right this moment. Learn our full story right here.

NASA, Boeing prelaunch information convention right this moment

NASA and Boeing will maintain a prelaunch information convention right this moment, 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 House Station and you can watch it reside on-line. 

The press convention can be carried reside on NASA TV and you’ll watch the briefing on the House.com homepage at begin time. Talking within the convention can be: 

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

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

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

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

Boeing's Starliner spacecraft sits atop its United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket on May 4, 2022.

(Picture credit score: United Launch Alliance)

NASA has cleared Boeing’s Starliner capsule for a deliberate Could 19 launch on Orbital Flight Check-2 (OFT-2), a vital uncrewed mission to the Worldwide House Station.

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

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

Starliner will return to the manufacturing unit for troubleshooting

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Boeing’s Starliner is heading again to the processing facility for extra checks, and the OFT-2 mission continues 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 means for different nationwide precedence missions,” Boeing tweeted (opens in new tab) right this moment. You may learn the total replace from Boeing right here.  (opens in new tab)

Starliner OFT-2 replace coming right this moment

The United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket and Boeing's Starliner spacecraft sit on Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at sunset on Aug. 2, 2021 for the OFT-2 mission to the International Space Station.

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

NASA and Boeing are holding a information convention right this moment at 1 p.m. EDT (1700 GMT) to debate the newest delays of the Starliner OFT-2 mission. You may hearken to the teleconference reside right here at House.com, courtesy of NASA.

Learn extra: Caught valves on Boeing’s Starliner hold essential house station take a look at flight on maintain

Again inside for Starliner

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

Boeing postpones launch indefinitely

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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 having the ability to shortly determine the reason for the anomaly.

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

Learn our story concerning the indefinite launch delay right here.

Launch is scrubbed

Per Boeing’s Twitter: “We’re confirming right this moment’s #Starliner Orbital Flight Check-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 stories 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 this moment (this launch is an uncrewed take a look at), ULA says it plans to simulate crew ingress procedures throughout Orbital Check 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 House Drive Station, ULA stated on Twitter.

Fueling full

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

Launch preparations proceed

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

NASA astronauts are excited for the launch

NASA astronauts cannot wait to see Starliner fly right this moment. The mission marks a vital milestone earlier than they and their colleagues will be capable of give the capsule a spin for themselves. Learn extra.

Atlas V and Starliner are “now in launch place”

Boeing's Starliner capsule and its United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket roll out to their launch pad at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on Aug. 2, 2021.

(Picture credit score: NASA through 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 pictures of their second rollout right here

“Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner is now in launch place on House Launch Complicated 41 at Cape Canaveral House Drive Station in Florida,” Boeing stated in an replace (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 pace of about 1 mph from the Vertical Integration Facility, positioned about 1 mile from the launch web site.”

You may preview the OFT-2 mission in a brand new video animation under:

Again out to the pad!

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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. House Drive’s forty fifth Climate Squadron at the moment are predicting a 60% likelihood 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 throughout the instantaneous launch window,” NASA officers wrote in an replace (opens in new tab).

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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. Learn extra.

OFT-2 in footage

Whereas we wait out the launch delay, take a look at the total story of OFT-2 in pictures 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 House Launch Complicated 41 to keep away from inclement climate, Friday, July 30, 2021 at Cape Canaveral House 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 House Coast, the Starliner capsule and its Atlas V rocket headed off the launch pad for shelter. Learn extra right 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 House Station on Wednesday (Aug. 4). Learn extra.

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 response to a NASA assertion (opens in new tab). The delay comes after Russia’s Nauka module briefly tilted the Worldwide House Station by firing its thrusters in an unplanned maneuver you can examine right here.

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

“Success in spaceflight is achieved by tens of millions of components coming collectively and dealing in excellent concord,” Boeing officers wrote in a assertion (opens in new tab) concerning 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 assist NASA on the Worldwide House Station.”

Starliner and Atlas V roll out

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

(Picture credit score: United Launch Alliance)

L-1 Day!

What is the huge take care of this launch? Don’t fret, we have you lined. Take a look at a deep dive on Boeing’s bumpy trip to the launchpad and brush up on each side 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 picture of its Starliner spacecraft contained in the Vertical Integration Facility at Cape Canaveral House 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 this moment. “#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 House Launch Complicated-41 at Cape Canaveral House 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 would 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 monitor,” NASA officers wrote in a weblog submit (opens in new tab)

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

Boeing’s plan for the flight

Compensate 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 this moment’s prelaunch information convention for the Starliner OFT-2 mission. The briefing begins at 1 p.m. EDT (1700 GMT), and you’ll watch that reside right here on House.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% likelihood of acceptable situations for liftoff, in response to an replace from the U.S. House Drive’s House Launch Delta 45 Climate 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 may watch that reside right here on House.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 evaluate (FRR) for the upcoming liftoff, which can kick off the uncrewed Orbital Flight Check 2 (OFT-2) mission to the station, NASA and Boeing representatives introduced right this moment (July 22). Learn the total story right 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 pictures right here.





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