Boeing Starliner Delayed Again: What Caused It and What It Means for NASA
Boeing and NASA have confirmed that the Starliner capsule’s first crewed flight test will be further delayed due to a new series of technical problems with the spacecraft. The first manned mission was scheduled to carry two NASA astronauts on July 21 but no longer has a new launch date. Boeing’s vice president of commercial crew Mark Nappi has stated that the company will take the next week or so to craft a plan to ensure the spacecraft is safe for flight.
The problems at Boeing with the Starliner spacecraft seem to be never-ending, with seemingly endless technical delays. While SpaceX has nearly completed all six of its contracted missions for the space agency, Boeing has encountered numerous issues, and the company must bear the costs due to its contract’s fixed cost structure. In this article, we explore the recent challenges faced by Boeing and its reaction towards the Starliner spacecraft’s continued delay.
Background Information: Boeing’s Starliner Spacecraft
The Boeing Company has spent years developing the Starliner, a crewed capsule meant to join SpaceX’s Dragon capsule to transport astronauts to and from the International Space Station for NASA. Boeing and SpaceX both received NASA astronaut transport contracts for a set number of missions. However, they are experiencing vastly different performance outcomes, with SpaceX completing almost all six of its contracted missions for the space agency without any major issues while Boeing is struggling with significant delays.
Recent Technical Problems Encountered by Boeing’s Starliner Spacecraft
According to Mark Nappi, the recent issue with the Starliner spacecraft included two problems related to the parachute systems and the tape that wraps around wire harnesses on the spacecraft. He stated that data on the load limits of the parachutes was incorrectly recorded, leading engineers to discover that some sections of the parachute had a lower failure load limit than previously identified. Separately, engineers found that the tape was flammable, which could cause potential safety issues during flight.
Boeing’s Reaction to the Starliner Spacecraft Delay
Mark Nappi refers to the delay of the Starliner spacecraft as a safety issue. Boeing’s top priority is always safety, especially when it comes to human spaceflight. He added that there are “growing pains” in developing a vehicle, and Boeing has no intention of backing away from its commercial crew ambitions any time soon. Boeing will spend the next week or so crafting a plan to ensure the capsule is safe for the flight. Nappi said he thinks a release sometime this year is feasible, but he does not want to commit to any dates or deadlines until the team figures out what they need to do.
Implications of the Starliner Spacecraft Delay
Boeing is part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, which enables private companies to transport astronauts to the International Space Station. Delaying the Starliner spacecraft again will have far-reaching implications:
1. Impacts on NASA’s Costs: NASA is paying Boeing to develop and deliver the Starliner under strict deadlines. Boeing’s delays mean that NASA has had to pay additional money to Russian space companies to send astronauts into space using Soyuz spacecraft. NASA’s ‘fixed-cost’ contract with Boeing ensures that the company bears the costs of the delays, but these delays also come with indirect costs.
2. Competition with SpaceX: A significant consequence of the delay is that it is extending SpaceX’s lead in Commercial Crew Program. SpaceX has been incredibly successful in meeting their deadlines, which would make them attractive to NASA as a future partner. However, it is essential to note that Boeing remains a vital player to NASA and has contributed significantly over the years.
3. Safety Concerns: The numerous delays and issues Boeing has faced with the Starliner have raised concerns about the spacecraft’s safety. NASA will need to ensure the Starliner is meeting all safety requirements before it can transport astronauts to the International Space Station.
Additional Piece: How NASA’s Commercial Crew Program is Revolutionizing Space Travel
NASA’s Commercial Crew Program is a revolutionary initiative that is transforming how humans travel to space. The program was launched in 2010 to help transition the United States’ dependence on Russian spacecraft to send American astronauts to space. The goal of the program was to develop a transportation system that is cost-effective, safe, and reliable, allowing commercial companies to compete for NASA’s business while providing opportunities for passenger space travel.
NASA’s Commercial Crew Program marked an essential turning point for private space companies and NASA. It introduced a new partnership model, which saved taxpayers’ money by allowing the private sector to develop their own spacecraft systems. In this section, we delve deeper into the key benefits of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program:
1. Driving innovation in the private sector: The Commercial Crew Program is driving significant innovation in the private sector. Companies like Boeing and SpaceX are investing heavily in new and advanced technologies, including reusable rockets and spacecraft, making space travel more affordable and accessible.
2. Cost-saving: NASA’s Commercial Crew Program removes the burden of development costs of spacecraft and rockets from NASA. This is a cost-effective solution, with NASA paying for a service rather than for the development and operation of spacecraft systems.
3. Ensuring competition in the private sector: The Commercial Crew Program encourages private-sector competition, which is essential in driving innovation and keeping costs down.
4. Creating jobs: NASA’s Commercial Crew Program supports thousands of jobs in the private sector. This is because spacecraft development is a labor-intensive process, with these developments requiring skilled labor such as engineers and technicians.
Conclusion
NASA’s Commercial Crew program is playing a critical role in transforming space travel by supporting the development of private sector spacecraft systems. Boeing remains an instrumental player in the program, and although the Starliner spacecraft’s delays are a significant setback, it is clear that safety remains the top priority. With the continuous strive for innovation and improvements, it is believed that the program’s positive impact on space travel will continue to increase and expand exponentially.
Summary
Boeing and NASA have confirmed that the Starliner capsule’s first crewed flight test will be further delayed due to new series technical problems with the spacecraft. Boeing will take the next week or so to craft a plan to ensure the spacecraft is safe for the flight. The delays are costly for NASA and extend SpaceX’s lead in the Commercial Crew Program. Nevertheless, the program’s benefits in terms of driving innovation, cost-saving, competition, and job creation remain significant.
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Boeing and NASA said Thursday that the first crewed flight test of the Starliner capsule would be further delayed due to a new series of technical problems with the spacecraft.
The first manned mission was scheduled to carry two NASA astronauts on July 21 after being pushed backwards from a release date before April. Officials did not provide a new launch date during a news conference, although Boeing’s vice president of commercial crew Mark Nappi said leadership would spend the next week or so crafting a plan to ensure the capsule is safe for the flight.
Nappi said Boeing engineers discovered two new problems with the Starliner: one related to the parachute systems and another to the tape that wraps around wire harnesses on the spacecraft. He said data on the load limits of the parachutes was incorrectly recorded, leading engineers to discover that some sections of the parachute had a lower failure load limit than previously identified. Separately, engineers found that the aforementioned tape was flammable.
“That tape was tested at the end of the process,” he said.
The tape was present on the spacecraft that flew the only Starliner mission, an uncrewed flight test that took place a little over a year ago. The parachute system also flew on that mission. It was only during a more detailed review that the problems were discovered, Nappi said.
Nappi said he thought a release sometime this year was feasible, but he substantially covered his statement. “I think it’s doable, but I certainly don’t want to commit to any dates or deadlines until we spend the next few days figuring out what we need to do,” he said.
Boeing has spent years developing the Starliner, a crewed capsule that is supposed to join SpaceX’s Dragon capsule to transport astronauts to and from the International Space Station for customer NASA. (Boeing and SpaceX both received NASA astronaut transport contracts for a set number of missions.) But while SpaceX has nearly completed all six of its contracted missions for the space agency, Boeing has been beset by seemingly endless technical delays — costs the company must bear due to its contract’s fixed cost structure.
“The bottom line here is: safety is always our top priority,” Nappi said. “It has always been that way with human spaceflight. And that is what drives this decision. You can say that we are disappointed because it means a delay, but the team is proud that we are making the right decisions.
He added that there are “growing pains” in developing a vehicle and that Boeing has no intention of backing away from its commercial crew ambitions any time soon.
NASA, Boeing delay the first crewed flight test of the Starliner capsule…again
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