Starliner Launches Successfully, but Two of its Thrusters Failed

Boeing's next-generation Starliner took off from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral and docked with the International Space Station. Designated Orbital Flight Test-2 (OFT-2), this uncrewed test flight successfully validated the space capsule for NASA's Commercial Crew Program. The goal of the program is to provide safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation to the International Space Station from American soil.

The mission had its share of problems, including two of the spacecraft's thrusters shutting off during maneuvers. After three years of delays, checks, and corrective actions, this successful test flight was a welcome relief. After six days of being docked with the International Space Station, the spaceship is scheduled to land in New Mexico on Wednesday, May 25th.

The Starliner transported more than 300 lbs of Boeing cargo to the International Space Station. The Boeing founder's ID card, flags and clothing from a group of Historically Black Colleges and Universities that Boeing supports, a collection of tree seeds, and some Snoopy and Rosy the Riveter pins were included. The Boeing mannequin that mimicked a crew member was the piece of resistance.

The Starliner experienced a chamber drop in pressure during the test flight that caused two of its two Orbital Maneuvering and Attitude Control (OMAC) thrusters to shut off during the OI burn. The clock malfunction that prevented the engines from firing at the correct time was similar to the error that prevented the Starliner from reaching the International Space Station. The mission teams addressed the problem and found that it posed no risk for the rest of the test.

The guidance, navigation, and control (GN&C) systems performed nominally during the mission, the flight software executed its tasks as designed, and power generation was positive. The Starliner successfully executed all of its maneuvers. The mission gave vital data about how the vehicle operates in space.

The rendezvous was broadcast live on NASA Television, the NASA app, and the agency's website. The return flight will be broadcast live. There will be coverage of the deorbit burn and the landing at White Plains Space Harbor. The news conference will be held at the Johnson Space Center in Houston.

The hatch of the Starliner capsule was closed earlier today by NASA astronauts on the International Space Station. The capsule will return with more than 600 lbs of cargo, which will be sent back to the International Space Station. Rosie the Rocketeer! The performance data obtained from this mission will be important when the Starliner conducts its first crewed mission.

This flight is expected to happen later this year, while the selection for the mission is expected to happen this summer. NASA certification will allow Boeing to provide launch services alongside its competitor, which succeeded in its uncrewed test flight to the International Space Station in 2019. The Starliner can carry up to four crew members, but its capacity is limited to seven.

NASA has historically favored a competitive environment when it comes to commercial partners and contracts. Having two launch service providers that can transport crew and cargo to the International Space Station will be beneficial.

Further reading: NASA.