Starliner Launch Delayed Due to Helium Leak
NASA and Boeing Working to Resolve Issue
Liftoff Postponed Until Wednesday
The highly anticipated launch of Boeing's Starliner capsule has been postponed from Tuesday due to a small helium leak discovered during pre-launch preparations. The leak, traced to a seal on a propulsion system line, is currently under investigation by NASA and Boeing engineers.
According to NASA, the leak was discovered during a routine test of the Starliner's propulsion system. Engineers have identified the source of the leak to a flange in a manifold in the port or left-side doghouse pod, which houses the capsule's reaction control system engines.
As part of the ongoing investigation, NASA and Boeing are conducting a follow-on propulsion system assessment to understand potential risks and implications. The assessment is expected to conclude later this week, after which a new launch date will be determined.
The Starliner mission, originally scheduled for a Tuesday launch, is now targeting a launch window on Wednesday from Space Launch Complex 41 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The mission, known as Orbital Flight Test-2 (OFT-2), will be an uncrewed test flight to the International Space Station, paving the way for future crewed missions.
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