NASA has announced a postponement of SpaceX’s Crew-9 mission to the International Space Station (ISS), shifting the launch date to no earlier than September 24.
The mission, originally scheduled for August 18, has been delayed by a month as NASA addresses ongoing issues with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, which remains docked at the ISS. The decision allows NASA additional time to finalize the return plan for the Boeing Crew Flight Test, a critical step in certifying the Starliner for regular astronaut missions.
Boeing’s Starliner was launched in June as part of a high-priority test mission required for NASA’s certification process. However, the mission has been extended due to persistent propulsion system problems. Concerns about the Starliner’s ability to safely return its crew have prompted NASA to consider utilizing SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft for the crew’s return journey.
The delay has resulted in a $125 million loss for Boeing, adding to the company’s cumulative $1.6 billion loss on the Starliner program since 2016. The aerospace giant continues to face challenges in developing a spacecraft that can compete with SpaceX’s more experienced and cost-effective Crew Dragon.
NASA’s decision underscores the importance of safety and reliability in crewed space missions. As the agency works to resolve the Starliner’s issues, the international space community watches closely, anticipating how these developments will shape the future of commercial spaceflight partnerships.
(With input from Reuters)
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NASA delays SpaceX Crew-9 mission to address Boeing Starliner issues
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