Boeing's Starliner capsule, set to carry two astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS), faced a setback as its launch was scrubbed just minutes before liftoff on June 1st. Boeing, in partnership with NASA and the United Launch Alliance (ULA), is now targeting a new launch date of June 2nd at 12:03PM ET.

The launch was halted due to an issue with a computer called a ground launch sequencer, which failed to enter the correct operational configuration. ULA CEO, Tory Bruno, explained that one of the three redundant launch sequencers experienced a delay in responding, which triggered an automatic hold. The ULA is currently investigating the cause of the malfunction and working towards a fix before the rescheduled launch.

If the Sunday launch is successful, it will mark the first time the Starliner capsule will carry human astronauts. The crew, consisting of Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, will conduct testing of the spacecraft and its subsystems during their week-long stay on the ISS. NASA plans to live stream the docking process, as it is a crucial step in certifying the Starliner for future missions to the ISS.

Boeing's Starliner has faced numerous delays and setbacks in the past. In May 2024, the launch was postponed due to an issue with a pressure regulation valve in the Atlas V rocket, which ULA promptly addressed. Additionally, the spacecraft has a known helium leak, but NASA has deemed it non-threatening to the mission and opted not to repair it to avoid further delays.

The Starliner capsule is a part of NASA's Commercial Crew Program, which aims to collaborate with private companies in developing innovative spacecraft. SpaceX, another participant in the program, has been successfully launching NASA astronauts since 2020.

The rescheduled launch of Boeing's Starliner on June 2nd will be closely watched by space enthusiasts and industry professionals alike. The event will be available for live streaming on YouTube and NASA's Plus service. Stay tuned for further updates on this important mission.

Update: The launch was scrubbed on June 1st and a new target date has been set for June 2nd.