Get Ready for Liftoff: Boeing Starliner Crewed Test Launch Scheduled for Saturday!

The Boeing Starliner Spacecraft Prepares for Liftoff

On the eve of the highly anticipated launch of Boeing's Starliner capsule, key figures in the space industry expressed confidence in the mission's readiness for takeoff. A joint press conference was held by representatives from NASA, Boeing, and United Launch Alliance to discuss the upcoming second attempt at launching Boeing's inaugural crewed test of the Starliner spacecraft.

Scheduled to launch at 12:25 p.m. EDT on Saturday from Complex 41 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket will carry the Starliner spacecraft on a mission to transport NASA astronauts Barry "Butch" Wilmore and Sunita "Suni" Williams to the International Space Station.

Notable attendees at the briefing included NASA Associate Administrator Jim Free, NASA Commercial Crew Program Manager Steve Stich, International Space Station Program Manager Dana Weigel, Boeing Vice President and Commercial Crew Program Manager Mark Nappi, ULA Vice President of Government and Commercial Programs Gary Wentz, and Launch Weather Officer Mark Burger from the 45th Weather Squadron at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. NASA astronaut Mike Fincke, set to pilot Starliner 1 pending certification for Starliner, was also present.

This launch marks the second attempt at the Boeing Crew Flight Test after a delay in the initial May 6 launch due to a helium leak in the Starliner's service module. Stich revealed that NASA detected a leak rate of up to 80 psi per minute, with the mission having a margin of approximately 500 psi. Nappi explained that the spacecraft holds around 50 pounds of helium stored in two onboard tanks, with the leak resulting in a loss of about half a pound per day if not addressed. Despite this issue, Nappi reassured that there is still ample margin available and that they are well-prepared for the upcoming flight.

Fincke highlighted the extensive training undergone by the flight crew at Boeing's Houston facilities to handle any potential launch issues. While not anticipating any problems, Fincke emphasized the preparedness of the flight procedures and crew to manage unforeseen circumstances and ensure a successful de-orbit.

In addition to the helium leak, Stich discussed other potential issues being considered by NASA, including a reflector issue on the ISS docking module and a pump failure in the urine processor assembly on the ISS. Collaboration among various space flight contractors, such as SpaceX providing data on the reflector issue, has been instrumental in troubleshooting and ensuring mission success.

Despite the challenges, the ISS teams quickly adjusted the manifest to include a spare pump onboard the Starliner for delivery to the ISS. Upon successful docking at the ISS, Wilmore and Williams will conduct tests on the spacecraft and its subsystems before NASA finalizes certification for rotational flights.

With a 90% chance of favorable weather predicted for Saturday's launch, backup launch windows are available on June 2, 5, and 6. The mission represents a significant step forward in the advancement of space exploration and collaboration among key players in the industry.