NASA and SpaceX have announced a new target date of September 24, 2024, for the launch of the Crew-9 mission to the International Space Station (ISS).
SpaceX was originally scheduled to launch its Crew Dragon spacecraft with four crew members on August 18, 2024. The rescheduling provides additional time for mission managers to finalize plans for the return of NASA’s Boeing Crew Flight Test, which is currently docked at the ISS.
The first crewed launch of the Boeing CST-100 Starliner capsule from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, took place on June 5, 2024. The pair of NASA astronauts on board had been expected to return around a week later after spending time aboard the ISS.
However, around 12 hours into its mission to the ISS, issues with the capsule’s thrusters and helium leaks were detected, and the crew’s time in space was extended while NASA and Boeing worked to iron out the problems.
“NASA and Boeing continue to evaluate the spacecraft’s readiness, and no decisions have been made regarding Starliner’s return,” the US space agency said in a statement.
Engineering teams with NASA and Boeing completed docked hot-fire tests of the Starliner spacecraft’s reaction control system jets to ensure the integrated propulsion system is ready for its journey back to Earth.
“During today’s docked hot-fire test, Starliner thrusters performed at peak thrust rating values, and the helium system remained stable,” Boeing said on July 27, 2024. “Data will be reviewed and included in flight rationale for the Crew Flight Test undocking from [the ISS] and return to Earth.”
Recurring issues with Boeing Starliner capsule
Back in 2014, NASA commissioned Boeing and SpaceX to develop a spacecraft that would end its reliance on the Russian Soyuz system for travel to the International Space Station. The plan was for these two private companies to take over the reins in 2017.
While SpaceX and its Crew Dragon have completed their mission, with the first inhabited flight in May 2020, the Boeing Starliner program is running several years behind schedule due to several technical issues.
In December 2019, Starliner attempted its first flight to the ISS, but it was cut short after it missed its intended orbit. In May 2022, the spacecraft successfully docked with the ISS for the first time, although it was uncrewed. The June 2024 Boeing Crew Flight Test marked the first crewed mission of the CST-100.
