In a recent announcement, NASA revealed that the launch of its Crew-9 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) has been delayed to no earlier than Tuesday, September 24. This adjustment allows mission managers to finalize return planning for the Boeing Crew Flight Test, currently docked to the ISS.
The Starliner spacecraft on NASA's Boeing Crew Flight Test is pictured docked to the Harmony module's forward port as the International Space Station orbited 262 miles above Egypt's Mediterranean coast. Image Credit : NASA
The delay is attributed to the ongoing analysis of recent docked hot-fire testing results and the need to finalize flight rationale for Starliner's integrated propulsion system. NASA and Boeing are working together to confirm system reliability ahead of Starliner's return to Earth. No decisions have been made regarding Starliner's return, and the agency continues to evaluate the spacecraft's readiness.
The Crew-9 launch adjustment also deconflicts the next SpaceX rotation with the upcoming Soyuz handover targeted for no earlier than mid-September. Teams are working to prepare the Crew-9 mission to launch from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, ensuring no conflicts with pad preparations for NASA's Europa Clipper mission beginning this September at nearby Launch Complex 39A.
Additionally, NASA has announced a delay in the launch of SpaceX's 31st commercial resupply services mission to no earlier than mid-October.
According to Eric Berger of Arstechnica.com, “No decisions” have been yet made on when and how Starliner will return. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson will have the final say on how Butch and Suni Will return home.
To discuss ongoing operations, including NASA's Crew-9, Crew-8, and Crew Flight Test missions, the agency will host a media teleconference at 12:30 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, August 7, with agency leadership.
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