- The launch of Boeing Co.'s Starliner space capsule could be delayed several months as it will likely have to be removed from atop a rocket for repairs, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday http: on.wsj.com 3 jNe 3 bb, citing people familiar with the matter.
Earlier this month, Boeing scrubbed the launch of its much anticipated CST-100 Starliner to the International Space Station after finding an operational glitch in its propulsion system valves during pre-launch checks.
Boeing declined to comment on the WSJ report after contacted by Reuters.
The delay in CST - 100 Starliner's launch is the latest setback for a U.S. aerospace giant reeling from back-to-back crises : a pandemic that killed demand for new jetliners and a safety scandal caused by two fatal 737 MAX crashes - which damage Boeing's finances and engineering reputation.
The delay of the uncrewed test flight makes it irrelevant the timing of its follow-on mission with a crew onboard which Boeing has said would take place no sooner than December.
Separately, Boeing said late on Thursday that it closed nine of its 13 CST-100 Starliner propulsion system valves and the remaining four remained fixed.
The announcement comes after Boeing said earlier this week that it was assessing multiple dates for the launch of its space capsule.
Boeing said it will also be working with NASA and United Launch Alliance to confirm launch dates when the spacecraft is ready.
The CST - 100 Starliner will take people from planet to and from a low-earth orbit. Elon Musk is competing with Boeing to take NASA astronauts from the United States to the station of SpaceX.