Aug 12 - The deployment of Boeing Co's Starliner space capsule would be delayed for several months as it would likely need to be removed from atop a rocket for repairs, the Wall Street Journal reported Thursday https: on.wsj.com 3 jNe3 bb citing people familiar with the matter.
Earlier this month, Boeing scrubbed the launch of its eagerly awaited CST - 100 starliner to the International Space Station after discovering a glitch in its propulsion system valves during pre-launch checks.
Boeing declined to comment on Reuters report when contacted by WSJ.
The delay of CST 100 Starliner's launch is the latest setback for a US aerospace giant reeling from back-to-back crises - a pandemic that affected demand for new jetliners and a safety scandal caused by two fatal 737 MAX crashes - which have damage to Boeing's finances and engineering reputation.
The uncrewed test flight's delay also throws into question the timing of its follow-on mission with a crew onboard, which Boeing said would take place no earlier than December.
Separately, Boeing said late on Thursday it fixed nine of its 13 CST - 100 Starliner valves and the remaining four remained closed.
The announcement comes after Boeing tweeted earlier this week that it was assessing multiple timings for the launch of its space capsule.
A Boeing spokesperson said that it also worked with NASA and United Launch Alliance to confirm launch dates when the spacecraft was ready.
The CST-100 Starliner will take people from and to Earth via Low Earth orbit. Elon Musk is competing with Boeing SpaceX to take NASA astronauts to the space station from the United States.