spacetoday.net: Thruster issue delays Starliner launch

Thruster issue delays Starliner launch

Posted: Sat, Aug 7, 2021, 9:01 AM ET (1301 GMT)
CST-100 Starliner on pad for OFT launch (ULA)

The launch of Boeing's CST-100 Starliner spacecraft is on hold because of a problem with the spacecraft's propulsion system. Boeing scrubbed the launch of the Orbital Flight Test (OFT) 2 mission about three hours before the scheduled liftoff time Tuesday because of what it called "unexpected valve position indications in the propulsion system" of the spacecraft. Late Tuesday, Boeing said it would not attempt a launch Wednesday and would roll the spacecraft and its Atlas 5 launch vehicle back to its assembly building for additional work. The company said it had already ruled out several potential causes of the valve problem, including software.