NASA and Boeing cleared technical hurdles for Starliner's first manned flight. Photo: Reuters.
Boeing and NASA have resolved two technical problems with the Starliner spacecraft, one of which “Design Vulnerability” That requires a temporary fix, allowing the capsule to be ready for its first crew mission, officials said Friday.
The mission, scheduled for June 1, was delayed by a small helium leak in the propulsion system that was detected shortly before takeoff from Florida. After two weeks of reviews, it was concluded that the leak did not pose a significant risk to the astronauts.
NASA and Boeing cleared technical hurdles for Starliner's first manned flight. Photo: Reuters.
Mark Nappi, president of Boeing's Starliner, said at a press conference that the situation was under control and the plane's safety had not been compromised.
The flight, with NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, was an important test before NASA certifies Starliner for regular trips to the International Space Station. If successful, the Starliner will join SpaceX's Crew Dragon as the first American crew capsules to operate starting in 2020.
(With information from Reuters)
