Boeing calls off historic mission carrying two astronauts minutes before liftoff
While evaluating the helium issue during the lead-up to launch day, engineers also spotted a “design vulnerability” in the propulsion system — essentially identifying a remote scenario in which certain thrusters might fail as the vehicle leaves Earth’s orbit, without a backup method of getting home safely.
I hadn’t seen this tidbit; that’s kind of horrifying for a Boeing vehicle!
They’re saying they’re going to try again tomorrow at 12:00. At least it wasn’t the rocket or capsule itself, they’re saying it was the ground based towers countdown computer system.
They’ve updated the article, launching no earlier than Wednesday now.
NASA announced late Saturday that it will not attempt to launch the Starliner on Sunday. The next available opportunity to lift off is Wednesday at 10:52 a.m. ET., however the agency indicated mission teams have not yet determined whether they will attempt to launch the spacecraft then. There is another backup launch window on June 6.
Damn. Wonder how many delays they’re gonna do before finally launching. Better to be safe than sorry I guess.
Me boarding a 777 on Friday after a very long week of business travel, a true story:
Pilot: “Looks like we’ll get to San Jose 30 minutes ahead of schedule”
10 minutes later…
Pilot: “Just waiting for some paperwork before we can leave the terminal”
30 minutes later…
Pilot: “Sorry we can’t leave until the maintenance records are updated”.
30 minutes later…
Pilot: “We’re still waiting for sign-off”
5 minutes later…
Pilot: “By law, we have to allow passengers off the plane as it’s been over an hour at the terminal”
I de-board looking for any other flight, but it turns out there are no seats on any other plane in this airport…
Terminal attendant: “They have the paperwork now you can re-board if you wish”
What would you do?
Me: YOLO
