In a recent announcement, United Launch Alliance (ULA) has revealed that the launch of the first crewed Boeing Starliner mission has been delayed to no earlier than May 17th at 6:16 pm ET. The decision comes after an upper-stage liquid oxygen pressure relief valve failed to fully close, causing concern during astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams' boarding process.

NASA, Boeing, and ULA have jointly agreed on the new target date for the launch, following the replacement of the faulty valve on ULA's Atlas V rocket. The original lift-off time was scheduled for 10:34 p.m. ET, but the delay occurred just before the T minus 2-hour mark, after both astronauts were securely positioned in their seats.

ULA initially aimed to resolve the valve issue while the rocket was still at the pad. However, due to the need for valve replacement, the rocket will now have to be rolled back to the Vertical Integration Facility. Fortunately, Boeing's Starliner capsule does not need to be removed, but ULA will have to depressurize the Centaur upper stage and access the valve area to complete the replacement process, explained ULA CEO Tory Bruno.

In previous satellite missions, ULA would have cycled the valve to address the problem. However, due to the presence of astronauts and launch personnel at the pad, safety precautions prohibit changing the fuel state of the rocket in such situations. These precautionary measures highlight the importance of maintaining the utmost safety standards during crewed missions.

Boeing's Starliner capsule has faced multiple delays and setbacks throughout its development. Originally slated for a crewed flight test in 2017, the project encountered numerous challenges. The near loss of the vehicle during its first orbital flight test (OFT) prompted the need for a second OFT to ensure the success of the mission. In the lead-up to the Crewed Flight Test, additional issues such as the removal of flammable tape, parachute concerns, and software reviews further impeded progress.

After the replacement of the faulty valve, ULA plans to roll the rocket back to the launch pad to prepare for a subsequent launch attempt on May 17th. During this extended delay, both astronauts will remain in quarantine, eagerly awaiting their journey to the International Space Station.

With NASA, Boeing, and ULA working diligently to address the valve issue, the launch of the first crewed Boeing Starliner mission will soon become a reality. The highly-anticipated event not only represents a significant milestone for ULA but also marks another stride in the advancement of human spaceflight capabilities.