Boeing expects the Starliner crew capsule to be ready no sooner than March 2024.
Nonetheless, that would slip further pending the outcomes of parachute tests, software reviews, and International Space Station (ISS) scheduling.
After a disastrous first launch attempt in December 2019, wherein after the Starliner capsule separated, a software issue with the Mission Elapsed Time caused the capsule to burn an excessive amount of propellant and enter the fallacious orbit and was unable to succeed in the ISS, forcing a landing just two days after launch.
![](https://www.teslarati.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Starliner-OFT-Atlas-V-LC-41-122019-Richard-Angle-liftoff-2-c.jpg)
OFT-1 liftoff from SLC-41 (Credit Richard Angle)
After correcting this issue, Boeing launched the OFT-2 mission greater than two years later, in May 2022, but not without encountering much more problems. In the course of the first launch attempt in August 2021, valves situated on the propulsion module were found to be stuck after moisture managed to get into the system and cause corrosion.
During today’s teleconference with Boeing and NASA officials, it was stated that the one remaining issues are parachute testing, software reviews, and ending the removal of flammable tape that had been installed on the spacecraft.
Boeing will conduct a drop test in November this yr when the change to the parachute system is predicted to be accomplished, namely the soft link that connects the most important line from the capsule to the risers as much as the cover.
The corporate has also removed a “substantial variety of kilos” of a tape used to cover wire harnesses that were found to be flammable in certain high oxygen environments and continues to work on that issue.
Boeing expects Starliner to be ready by March 2024. Nonetheless, that doesn’t mean it’ll launch then, as they should be sure that United Launch Alliance has launch pad availability and the ISS schedule is open. That would push the launch to Mid-2024.
![](https://www.teslarati.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Starliner-OFT2-attempt-2-LC-41-051922-Richard-Angle-launch-3-c.jpg)
Starliner OFT-2 launch (Credit Richard Angle)
If the Crew Flight Test does occur in Spring/early Summer 2024, that will likely be nearly 4 years since SpaceX conducted their Demo 2 launch to the ISS.
The primary operational crewed flight may not come until 2025. Boeing is contracted for six crewed missions to the International Space Station.
Meanwhile, SpaceX and NASA just named the Crew 8 members and are scheduled to launch in early 2024.