Boeing Starliner's first crewed test flight was delayed again for the third time with no new launch date.
In a press statement on Tuesday, NASA suspended the scheduled fourth flight attempt on May 25, for an unspecified cause. Space.com first reported on NASA's statement.
(Photo : Miguel J. Rodriguez Carrillo/AFP via Getty Images)
The agency said that the "next possible launch opportunity is still being discussed" as NASA and Boeing finalize flight rationale, system performance, and redundancy.
The Starliner crewed mission was first postponed in early May after engineers detected reported a valve problem hours before takeoff.
The rescheduled launch on May 14, was halted again after reports of a helium leak was detected in the spacecraft's propulsion system.
Delayed and overpriced, Boeing's late setback is expected to rack up the company's expenses on the spacecraft estimated to have already inflated over $1.5 billion in extra costs.
Also Read: Boeing's First Crewed Flight Postponed Due to Valve Problem
Boeing Lags Behind Space Race
With another hurdle in its bid for commercialization, Boeing's space venture lags behind its competitors as
SpaceX, in particular, has already completed nearly 40 flights to the International Space Station since 2012, while Boeing has already achieved one, according to Bloomberg data.
Out of the 38 lift-offs made successfully, nine were crewed.
This is not to mention several successful attempts to bring an American-made spacecraft back to the moon, a mission Boeing is also contractually obligated for its involvement in NASA's Artemis project.
Boeing Starliner Flight Expected to Highlight Company Safety Processes
More than just a bid to reach space, the Starliner mission is expected to highlight Boeing's commitments to safety amid the series of accidents
The aerospace manufacturer is facing several federal investigations, including potential criminal charges, for the several flight incidents involving its 737 planes.
A US Federal Aviation Agency earlier reported multiple safety flaws in the 737 planes during the inspections of its manufacturing process.
Amid the controversies, Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun announced that he is stepping down as chief executive by the end of the year.
Related Article: Boeing May Face Criminal Charges for Breaking 2021 Safety Agreement, DOJ Says
