Sunita Williams' 3rd space mission called off due to technical glitch, Nasa announces new launch date

• Image Credit: Google

• May 7, 2024 | Pinaki Goswami

NASA cited the evaluation of an oxygen relief valve on the Centaur Stage as the reason for the delay...

Digital Desk: Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams was geared up for her third spaceflight when NASA and Boeing decided to scrub the launch just hours before lift-off. The Starliner's maiden human spaceflight, designated as the Crew Flight Test to the International Space Station (ISS), faced a setback due to a faulty oxygen relief valve on the United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket's second stage.

At Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams exited the Starliner spacecraft following the scrubbed launch. NASA cited the evaluation of an oxygen relief valve on the Centaur Stage as the reason for the delay.

The ULA, responsible for the Atlas V rocket, explained that the decision was made due to observations on a liquid oxygen self-regulating solenoid relief valve on the Centaur upper stage. With ULA venturing into crewed missions for the first time, the delay reflects a cautious approach, despite the company's history of successful cargo and payload launches.

NASA announced a new target launch date of May 10 for the Boeing Starliner, pending resolution of the technical issue. The delay allows for thorough data analysis on a pressure regulation valve and a determination of whether replacement is necessary.

This setback underscores the United States' pursuit of certifying multiple spacecraft for manned missions to and from space. SpaceX's Crew Dragon has been at the forefront of the commercial space race, but Boeing's Starliner, named Calypso, presents a formidable contender. Capable of autonomous or manual control, the Starliner is expected to rendezvous and dock with the ISS following its eventual launch.

While the delay may be disappointing, safety remains the top priority for all parties involved. As preparations continue and technical issues are resolved, anticipation builds for Sunita Williams' historic journey aboard the Starliner, poised to contribute to the next chapter of human space exploration.