NASA has announced another delay in Boeing’s crewed flight of its Starliner capsule, initially scheduled for May 25. The delay is due to ongoing evaluations of a helium leak in the spacecraft’s propulsion system. The new launch date remains under discussion as engineers continue their assessments.

The postponement stems from a helium leak discovered in Starliner’s propulsion system, alongside an issue with the Atlas booster, which is built by United Launch Alliance (ULA), a Boeing-Lockheed Martin joint venture. NASA and Boeing teams have been in consecutive meetings over the past two days, focusing on flight rationale, system performance, and redundancy. 

“There is still forward work in these areas, and the next possible launch opportunity is still being discussed,” NASA stated.

The upcoming mission, which will carry NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore to the International Space Station (ISS), is a critical milestone for Boeing. This mission represents Starliner’s final test before NASA certifies it for routine crewed missions. 

The spacecraft has faced numerous delays and technical issues, including two uncrewed demonstration flights — one unsuccessful in 2019 and a successful attempt in 2022.

Boeing and NASA need Starliner’s crewed flight to validate the spacecraft’s capability to safely transport astronauts. The mission with Williams and Wilmore, both seasoned test pilots, is crucial for achieving this certification. 

Success would allow Starliner to join SpaceX’s Crew Dragon in ferrying astronauts to and from the ISS under NASA’s Commercial Crew Program.

Since 2021, SpaceX’s Crew Dragon has been the primary vehicle for transporting NASA astronauts to the ISS. The certification of Starliner would provide NASA with an additional option, enhancing redundancy and flexibility for ISS missions. 

This diversification is vital for maintaining consistent access to the ISS, especially as NASA and its partners prepare for future missions, including potential lunar expeditions under the Artemis program.

The exact timeline for resolving the propulsion system issue and rescheduling the launch remains uncertain. 

NASA and Boeing are committed to thoroughly addressing all technical problems before proceeding with the crewed flight. The next steps involve detailed technical reviews and further testing to confirm the spacecraft’s readiness.