Due to ongoing difficulties with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, Nasa has reported a delay in the launch of the SpaceX Crew-9 mission to the International Space Station (ISS).
Boeing’s Starliner has been docked at the International Space Station (ISS) for the past two months since it transported two Nasa astronauts in early June because of anomalies identified via its propulsion system during its flight. The complete return date for this mission is uncertain due to this.
Starliner spacecraft, which successfully delivered 2 NASA astronauts to ISS in early June, has been staying at the station for last 2 months after encountering problems with its propulsion system during flight. Accordingly, there is no clear departure time for this undertaking yet.
As a result, Nasa plans to bring them back to Earth through a new plan. This will include postponing the Crew-9 launch by at least September 24th. In that case, only a pair from Crew Eight shall return home with these members together with pair of others who are still stuck there awaiting their rescue by Crew Nine.
“This adjustment allows more time…to finalise return planning for the agency’s Boeing Crew Flight Test currently docked to the orbiting laboratory,” said a blog post from US space agency.
This was also true of helium leaks experienced by starliner as part of its journey. Consequently, if safety concerns persist unaddressed then spacecraft may be forced into an unmanned landing.
“Nasa and Boeing continue to evaluate the spacecraft’s readiness, and no decisions have been made regarding Starliner’s return,” according to information posted recently on Nasa website that says press conference will be held on Wednesday concerning both start liner and the ninth team launching day..
