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Boeing's First Astronaut Flight Delayed until at Least March

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Andrew R. Michaud

• August 08, 2023

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — Boeing's highly anticipated first astronaut flight has been further delayed and is now set to take place no earlier than March of next year.

During final reviews in late spring, issues regarding the parachute lines and flammable tape were discovered, pushing back the originally planned July launch for the Starliner capsule. Boeing has announced that the removal of the tape will be completed in the coming weeks, but the development of a redesigned parachute system will not be finished until December.

Pending a successful parachute drop test, the spacecraft could potentially be ready to transport two NASA astronauts to the International Space Station by March. However, due to the congestion of space station traffic, an exact date for Starliner's first crew flight cannot be determined at this time, according to officials.

In order to ensure that there are no additional problems, NASA and Boeing have initiated independent reviews.

Mark Nappi, Boeing's program manager, stated that technicians have already made significant progress in removing the flammable tape that was originally used to protect the capsule's wiring. Tape that cannot be fully removed from vulnerable areas will be covered with a protective coating.

Tape Usage Guidelines Clarified

After thorough review, officials from both the company and NASA have acknowledged that the initial guidelines for using the tape were confusing. However, they have successfully determined that it cannot be utilized in certain areas due to its flammability. This clarification ensures the safety of all involved.

Parachute Upgrade in Progress

Addressing the parachute issue is a more complex task that requires further attention. The soft links within the parachute lines failed to meet safety standards because of improper testing conducted in the past. Recognizing this concern, engineers are currently designing a more resilient parachute system. The enhanced design will be implemented in the upgraded parachutes that are already in development.

March Launch: A Promising Outlook

While acknowledging the possibility of unforeseen challenges, Nappi, a representative associated with the project, expressed confidence in the team's ability to meet the expected launch window as early as March. Adequate planning has been implemented, ensuring a well-defined schedule for the upcoming launch.

Ensuring Redundancy: A Dual Launcher Approach

NASA's commitment to mitigating risk remains unwavering as they continue to envision a dual approach when it comes to launching crews into space. Despite the space station program's projected end in 2030, NASA emphasizes the importance of having two competing crew launchers. This strategy entails one crew flight per year from both Boeing and SpaceX, enhancing redundancy and ensuring the ongoing success of future space missions.