NASA delays launch of Boeing's first crewed ISS mission to April 2023 due to space traffic

Boeing’s first crewed test flight to International Station (ISS) has been postponed from February to April 2023, NASA informed. Crew Flight Test (CFT) mission would see launch of Boeing’s CST 100 Starliner capsule launch with two astronauts who will spend about two weeks in orbit.

" date justment deconflicts visiting craft traffic at station as NASA and Boeing work toger to achieve flight reiness," NASA said in an official statement. 

CFT mission follows Orbital Flight Test-2 (OFT-2) mission which was Boeing’s second ISS mission launched in May this year. NASA says that Starliner and United Launch Alliance’s Atlas V rocket is on track for launch reiness and teams from Boeing and NASA are fixing amalies experienced during OFT-2. 

“NASA and Boeing currently are working on a variety of verification efforts across several critical systems that will be used for Starliner’s crew flight certification,"  ncy said. In latest leg of preparations, engineers completed forward heat shield and entry cover of Starliner and astronauts Barry “Butch” Wilmore, Sunita Williams, and Mike Fincke completed crew validation test. 

During test, astronauts suited up and tested out pressurised crew module to ensure seat fit, suit functionality, cabin temperature, and audio system ahe of launch day. Wilmore and Williams will serve as commander and pilot for mission, respectively whereas Fincke has been selected as backup pilot.

Boeing is aiming for a NASA certification for crewed launches with success of CFT. Currently, only Elon Musk's X is commercial firm that is offering launch services to NASA for crew and cargo transportation to ISS. "Following a successful crewed flight, NASA will work to complete certification of Starliner craft and systems for regular crew rotation missions to station," NASA said.

Once CFT mission is successful, ncies will discuss a launch date for Starliner-1, Boeing's first mission after a launch permit. Three astronauts-- Scott Tinge, Edward Michael Fincke and Jeanette Epps-- have alrey been selected for mission.