NASA and Boeing are preparing for the second test flight of the Starliner capsule which was unable to reach the ISS during its first test. If all goes as planned, a first manned mission could then be scheduled by the end of the year.
Seven years ago, NASA contracted with SpaceX and Boeing to operate commercial flights (cargo and astronauts) to the ISS. SpaceX developed its capsule named Crew Dragon, while Boeing developed its capsule named Starliner. If the Crew Dragon has already been active for several years and has already transported astronauts to the ISS three times, the Starliner capsule has faced several difficulties, failing its first unmanned test. During this maneuver, Starliner had to successfully reach the ISS. Unfortunately, the ship experienced software problems as soon as it entered space.
Over the past few months, Boeing has therefore been working on these software issues in conjunction with NASA. The minor glitches seem to have been fixed and the ship is preparing for a second uncrewed test mission:the Boeing Orbital Flight Test-2 (OFT-2).
The launch, which was originally scheduled to take place this Friday, July 30 from Cape Canaveral aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, has been postponed to this Tuesday, August 3 at 7:20 p.m. (French time). This delay followed an incident with the Russian module Nauka, which has just docked with the ISS. The launch was again postponed due to unexpected problems with the capsule's propulsion system. A next date will be communicated soon.
Once launched, the capsule should be able to dock with the station approximately 24 hours later with more than 180 kg of cargo and supplies, according to NASA.
During this mission, engineers from Boeing and the US agency will closely examine the capabilities of Starliner, the goal being to be able to certify the vessel to then be able to fly astronauts to and from the station. The commander's seat will also be occupied by a dummy named "Rosie the Rocketeer". Equipped with fifteen sensors, it will collect data on what astronauts will experience during these manned flights.
After successful docking, Starliner will spend five to ten days hanging in the laboratory in orbit before returning to land in the western United States. If this second uncrewed mission achieves all objectives, NASA and Boeing will then schedule a first manned mission, probably before the end of the year. For this flight, the crew will consist of astronauts Barry "Butch" Wilmore, Nicole Mann and Mike Fincke.
