NASA has announced a one-month delay for SpaceX's Crew-9 mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Originally scheduled for August 18, the launch is now set for no earlier than September 24.
The postponement comes as NASA addresses ongoing issues with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft, which remains docked at the ISS. This additional time is crucial for finalizing the return plan for the Boeing Crew Flight Test, a key step in certifying Starliner for regular astronaut missions.
Boeing's Starliner, launched in June as part of a high-priority test mission, has faced persistent propulsion system problems. These challenges have raised concerns about the spacecraft's ability to safely return its crew, leading NASA to consider using SpaceX's Crew Dragon for the crew's return if necessary.
The delay has resulted in a $125 million loss for Boeing, adding to the company's total loss of $1.6 billion on the Starliner program since 2016. Boeing continues to grapple with developing a spacecraft that can compete with SpaceX's more experienced and cost-effective Crew Dragon.
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NASA delays SpaceX Crew-9 mission to address Boeing Starliner issues
cgtn.com
