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#340 by ThatOldJanxSpirit on 05 Oct, 2021 12:55
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Eric Berger is reporting that rookie astronauts assigned to Starliner may be transferred onto Dragon missions starting with Crew 5.
https://arstechnica.com/science/2021/10/nasa-likely-to-move-some-astronauts-off-starliner-due-to-extended-delays/ -
#341 by ThatOldJanxSpirit on 06 Oct, 2021 16:10
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Confirmed.
Nicole Mann and Josh Cassada reassigned to Crew 5.
https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-announces-astronaut-changes-for-upcoming-commercial-crew-missions
Ouch! -
#342 by su27k on 07 Oct, 2021 12:47
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https://twitter.com/thesheetztweetz/status/1445803741672792064Quote from: Michael Sheetz
Stich says that NASA has "not lost confidence in the Boeing team," in light of the Starliner astronaut reassignment.
"I have every bit of confidence that that they're going to figure out what the problem is and they'll rectify it and we'll get back to flight really soon." $BAQuote from: Michael SheetzStich says "there's really not an opportunity" for the Starliner OFT-2 mission to fly before the end of this year.
The next opportunity "would be sometime early" in 2022. $BAQuote from: Michael SheetzStich: "It's really too early to narrow in on a date" for Boeing's OFT-2 because "we really need to get to the root cause on the valve issue."
https://twitter.com/SciGuySpace/status/1445805187726123011Quote from: Eric BergerHere's the reality: Until the sticky valve root cause is found, there will be no credible date for and OFT-2 launch. It probably will be awhile. They have to disassemble the valves. I've heard dates ranging from early 2022, to May to Fall of 2022 for possible launches of OFT-2.
https://twitter.com/SpcPlcyOnline/status/1445805647136804865Quote from: Marcia SmithStich: re Starliner valves, NASA and Boeing working together. Have various materials tests underway. Valves in testing at White Sands. Heat may be a phenomenon that helps the valves open and close. Next step is to disassemble them. Then will know more.
https://twitter.com/SciGuySpace/status/1445807378776084482Quote from: Eric BergerSteve Stich, in response to a question from @joroulette, confirms Boeing will fly all of its Starliner crew missions on Atlas V rockets. This makes me wonder whether Vulcan will ever be human rated. If it's not, this raises long-term questions about Starliner.
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#343 by catdlr on 07 Oct, 2021 18:25
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NASA moves 2 astronauts from Boeing missions to a future SpaceX launch following serious Starliner delays
https://www.businessinsider.com/boeing-starliner-nasa-moves-astronauts-spacex-space-dragon-delays-2021-10QuoteNASA moved two astronauts from Boeing launches to a 2022 SpaceX mission, the agency said Wednesday.
Boeing's Starliner missions to the International Space Station (ISS) have been delayed indefinitely after setbacks.
Moving the astronauts to SpaceX would give Boeing time to work on the Starliner craft, NASA said. -
#344 by Rondaz on 08 Oct, 2021 22:33
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NASA, Boeing Update Starliner Orbital Flight Test-2 Status
Linda Herridge Posted on October 8, 2021
The NASA, Boeing team continues to make progress on the investigation of the oxidizer isolation valve issue on the Starliner service module propulsion system that was discovered ahead of the planned uncrewed Orbital Flight Test-2 (OFT-2) mission to the International Space Station in August.
“I am proud of the work our integrated teams are doing,” said Steve Stich, manager of the Commercial Crew Program at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. “This is a complex issue involving hazardous commodities and intricate areas of the spacecraft that are not easily accessed. It has taken a methodical approach and sound engineering to effectively examine.”
Boeing has demonstrated success in valve functionality using localized heating and electrical charging techniques. Troubleshooting on the pad, at the launch complex, and inside the Starliner production factory at Kennedy Space Center has resulted in movement of all but one of the original stuck valves. That valve has not been moved intentionally to preserve forensics for direct root cause analysis.
Most items on the fault tree have been dispositioned by the team including causes related to avionics, flight software and wiring. Boeing has identified a most probable cause related to oxidizer and moisture interactions, and although some verification work remains underway, our confidence is high enough that we are commencing corrective and preventive actions. Additional spacecraft and component testing will be conducted in the coming weeks to further explore contributing factors and necessary system remediation before flight.
Boeing completed a partial disassembly of three of the affected Orbital Maneuvering and Attitude Control (OMAC) thruster valves last month and plans to remove three valves from the OFT-2 spacecraft in the coming weeks for further inspection. The team also is evaluating additional testing to repeat the initial valve failures.
Boeing has identified several paths forward depending on the outcome of the testing to ultimately resolve the issue and prevent it from happening on future flights. These options could range from minor refurbishment of the current service module components to using another service module already in production. Each option is dependent on data points the team expects to collect in the coming weeks including a timeline for safely proceeding back to the launch pad.
“Safety of the Starliner spacecraft, our employees, and our crew members is this team’s number one priority,” said John Vollmer, vice president and program manager, Boeing’s Starliner program. “We are taking the appropriate amount of time to work through the process now to set this system up for success on OFT-2 and all future Starliner missions.”
Potential launch windows for OFT-2 continue to be assessed by NASA, Boeing, United Launch Alliance, and the Eastern Range. The team currently is working toward opportunities in early 2022 pending hardware readiness, the rocket manifest, and space station availability.
https://blogs.nasa.gov/kennedy/2021/10/08/nasa-boeing-update-starliner-orbital-flight-test-2-status/ -
#345 by Yiosie on 08 Oct, 2021 23:56
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<snip>
Potential launch windows for OFT-2 continue to be assessed by NASA, Boeing, United Launch Alliance, and the Eastern Range. The team currently is working toward opportunities in early 2022 pending hardware readiness, the rocket manifest, and space station availability.
https://blogs.nasa.gov/kennedy/2021/10/08/nasa-boeing-update-starliner-orbital-flight-test-2-status/
This paragraph has been revised to the following (changes bolded):QuotePotential launch windows for OFT-2 continue to be assessed by NASA, Boeing, United Launch Alliance, and the Eastern Range. The team currently is working toward opportunities in the first half of 2022 pending hardware readiness, the rocket manifest, and space station availability.
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#346 by snotis on 15 Oct, 2021 19:19
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Quote
“We’ve developed an extensive fault tree to go through and look at every possibility of what it could be,” he said. “We’re 75% through that fault tree. We’re clicking off the boxes.”
QuoteWhether the service module is repaired or replaced, he said the next launch attempt won’t be until as late as the middle of 2022. “There are some potential ways to accelerate that,” he said, particularly if the investigation doesn’t turn up any more surprises. “There’s a chance we could fly before mid-2022, but that’s yet to be determined.”
The company is already looking at potential corrective actions even as the investigation continues. “We’re looking at ensuring that any moisture does not get into the valves. We’re looking at the length of time that the NTO is in the system,” Parker said. “We’re looking at potentially adding heaters to the valves, which allows us to free up those products should they be created.”
https://spacenews.com/starliner-valve-investigation-continues-to-focus-on-moisture-interaction-with-propellant/ -
#347 by snotis on 15 Oct, 2021 19:21
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Quote
I am very surprised (based on what's reported here). This is "known" phenomena that I assume Boeing/NASA tracked as a Risk. In my experience I would have expected NASA to proactively be all over this possibility (demanding specific test results for this) long before flight.
https://twitter.com/SpaceAbhi/status/1449088780640538626QuoteThis alludes to more of a prop system design issue than just a valve issue that can be fixed by valve swap out. Let's see.
https://twitter.com/SpaceAbhi/status/1449089129560494080 -
#348 by Rebel44 on 15 Oct, 2021 22:19
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https://twitter.com/Commercial_Crew/status/1449130363104763917Quote
NASA Commercial Crew
@Commercial_Crew
We're holding a joint teleconference with @BoeingSpace on Tuesday, Oct. 19 at 2:30pm ET to discuss the Starliner spacecraft and the oxidizer isolation valve issue. Learn more: https://go.nasa.gov/2XgErD0
Somehow, this doesn't scream "great news" to me... -
#349 by kdhilliard on 19 Oct, 2021 18:57
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Media Briefing: NASA's Boeing Orbital Flight Test-2 Update
Tuesday, 19 October, 2021 -- 14:30 EDT
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#350 by Hamish.Student on 20 Oct, 2021 00:41
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Eric Berger's article on the update: https://arstechnica.com/science/2021/10/boeing-removes-valves-from-starliner-delays-flight-to-first-half-of-2022/
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#351 by AU1.52 on 28 Oct, 2021 21:25
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Space News. Boeing taking another (185 million) financial hit on Starliner.
https://spacenews.com/boeing-takes-185-million-charge-because-of-starliner-delays/ -
#352 by cohberg on 13 Dec, 2021 21:01
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https://blogs.nasa.gov/commercialcrew/2021/12/13/boeing-to-move-up-service-modules-for-commercial-crew-flight-tests/Quote
The service module originally planned for its Crew Flight Test (CFT) will now be used for the Orbital Flight Test-2 (OFT-2) mission, and the service module planned for the Starliner-1 flight will be used for CFT.
Quote from: John Vollmer, vice president and program manager, Boeing’s Commercial Crew Program.Our objective was to get back to flight safely and as soon as possible. With this objective in mind, we set out on parallel paths: remediating valves to preserve the option of utilizing the existing service module (SM2), while also working to accelerate the build of the next service module (SM4)
Based on the results to date we’ve decided to fly SM4 next and continue longer term tests with SM2 hardware, on the vehicle and in offline facilities.QuoteAs part of the standard process for requesting a launch slot on ULA’s manifest in the first half of 2022, Boeing has agreed to an open window in May, pending spacecraft readiness and space station availability. Potential launch windows for CFT are under review.
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#353 by kdhilliard on 13 Dec, 2021 22:27
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Quote from: Boeing Space · @BoeingSpace 21:16 UTC · Dec 13, 2021
Our team has decided to replace the current #Starliner service module on the Orbital Flight Test-2 (OFT-2) vehicle with a newer service module.
https://twitter.com/BoeingSpace/status/1470502824891006988
Learn more: https://starlinerupdates.com/boeing-to-move-up-service-modules-for-commercial-crew-flight-tests/
The linked update is identical to the Commercial Crew blog entry linked in the previous post. -
#354 by SoftwareDude on 07 Jan, 2022 17:09
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Everything you wanted to know about the Boeing Commercial Crew Transportation Capability (CCtCap) Contract:
https://www.nasa.gov/content/electronic-library-boeing-commercial-crew-transportation-capability-contract-cctcap -
#355 by gongora on 11 Jan, 2022 17:56
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Communications permit request for OFT-2, NET April:
https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/els/reports/STA_Print.cfm?mode=current&application_seq=112521&RequestTimeout=1000 -
#356 by deadman1204 on 11 Jan, 2022 21:33
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Communications permit request for OFT-2, NET April:
https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/els/reports/STA_Print.cfm?mode=current&application_seq=112521&RequestTimeout=1000
More specifically, April through October -
#357 by snotis on 18 Jan, 2022 22:16
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Quote
NASA and Boeing continue making progress toward the agency’s upcoming Starliner Orbital Flight Test-2 (OFT-2) mission to the International Space Station as part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program.
Teams recently completed offloading fuel from the OFT-2 spacecraft inside Starliner’s production factory at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida in preparation for separating and replacing the current service module (SM2) from the crew module.
“The Starliner team and successful completion of the spacecraft’s development phase are critical to sustaining International Space Station operations through 2030,” said Steve Stich, manager, NASA Commercial Crew Program. “The team’s dedication to developing effective remedies and corrective action after our first OFT-2 launch attempt demonstrates their continued commitment to safely flying NASA crews for years to come.”
In December, Boeing decided to move up service modules currently in production for its upcoming uncrewed and crewed flight tests. The service module originally planned for the Crew Flight Test (CFT) is now being used for OFT-2, and the service module originally planned for Starliner’s first post-certification mission, Starliner-1, now will be used for CFT.
With fuel offload complete, the spacecraft was moved out of the hazardous processing area and into the production factory high bay.
“Because this is not an operation that we normally perform, our team took the time to fully coordinate and assess the proper spacecraft and ground support equipment configurations, and then execute to plan to ensure the safety of our team,” said John Vollmer, vice president and program manager, Boeing’s Commercial Crew Program.
Once separated in the coming weeks from the OFT-2 crew module, SM2 will be sent to NASA’s White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico for additional testing related to the issue affecting the spacecraft’s oxidizer isolation valves.
The investigation into the valve issue continues to substantiate that the most probable cause is interaction of moisture with nitrogen tetroxide that permeates through the Teflon seal in the valve, leading to corrosion. Testing continues to fully understand how this occurrence affects the valves in various environments.
Tests include environmental seal evaluation and exposing valves, in a controlled setting, to temperatures and conditions similar to those the spacecraft experienced prior to the planned launch of OFT-2. The results of these tests will help in the ongoing development of remediation efforts to prevent similar issues on future service modules.
For example, the team designed a purging system that will be integrated into the spacecraft to protect the valves from potential exposure to moisture at the factory, launch complex, and launch pad.
Progress also continues with production of the new service module (SM4) that will go onto the OFT-2 crew module. That service module was recently moved from the low bay production area to the factory’s hazardous processing area for high pressure leak testing. Remaining tasks before mating this service module with the OFT-2 crew module include acceptance testing, final wire harness mating, installation of solar array panels, and final closeouts.
NASA and Boeing continue to work toward an opening in United Launch Alliance’s launch window availability in May for OFT-2. An actual launch date will be determined closer to spacecraft readiness, and with consideration of Eastern Range and International Space Station availability. Potential launch windows for CFT are under review and will be determined after a safe and successful OFT-2.
https://blogs.nasa.gov/commercialcrew/2022/01/18/nasa-boeing-prepare-to-replace-starliner-service-modules-ahead-of-upcoming-orbital-flight-test-2/
https://twitter.com/Commercial_Crew/status/1483575534927941640 -
#358 by centaurinasa on 19 Jan, 2022 14:12
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#359 by centaurinasa on 19 Jan, 2022 14:37