Posts: 48433 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 04-06-2020 04:44 PM
Please use this topic to discuss Boeing's CST-100 Starliner second Orbital Flight Test (OFT-2) uncrewed mission to the International Space Station.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 48433 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 04-06-2020 04:45 PM
Boeing release
Boeing Statement on Starliner's Next Flight
The Boeing Company is honored to be a provider for the Commercial Crew mission. We are committed to the safety of the men and women who design, build and ultimately will fly on the Starliner just as we have on every crewed mission to space.
We have chosen to refly our Orbital Flight Test to demonstrate the quality of the Starliner system. Flying another uncrewed flight will allow us to complete all flight test objectives and evaluate the performance of the second Starliner vehicle at no cost to the taxpayer. We will then proceed to the tremendous responsibility and privilege of flying astronauts to the International Space Station.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 48433 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
[The] flight likely will occur sometime in October or November, meaning the company probably won't fly a mission with astronauts on board this year, according to a person familiar with the plans but not authorized to speak publicly. Repeating the mission and investigating other problems with Starliner is an expensive proposition: Earlier this year, Boeing said it was taking a $410 million charge to offset the cost.
Headshot Member
Posts: 1070 From: Vancouver, WA, USA Registered: Feb 2012
posted 04-06-2020 07:19 PM
Will Boeing re-use the same Starliner command module for the second OFT or a new one?
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 48433 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 04-06-2020 07:51 PM
The second OFT will be flown using Spacecraft 2, which was previously being prepared for the crew flight test (CFT). Spacecraft 3 ("Calypso") is undergoing refurbishment after flying the first OFT in December 2019.
Headshot Member
Posts: 1070 From: Vancouver, WA, USA Registered: Feb 2012
posted 10-28-2020 01:04 PM
Is OFT-2 still scheduled to fly this year or has it slipped into 2021?
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 48433 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 10-28-2020 01:11 PM
Officially, the launch remains no earlier than (NET) December. Unofficially, it is expected to slip into January.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 48433 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 11-06-2020 05:21 PM
This isn't directly related to OFT-2, but addresses the software concerns that plagued OFT-1 and will be a key test for the second flight. From a Boeing press release:
The Boeing Company today named Jinnah Hosein as the company's vice president of Software Engineering, effective immediately. In this newly created role, Hosein will report to Greg Hyslop, Boeing chief engineer and senior vice president of Engineering, Test & Technology, and will focus on further strengthening Boeing's focus on software engineering across the enterprise.
Previously, Hosein held leadership roles at SpaceX, where he led software development for Falcon, Falcon Heavy, Dragon, Crew Dragon and other flight vehicles, and at Tesla, where he helped develop autopilot software. In addition, he served as Google's director of software engineering for cloud networking and was one of the original members of Google's Site Reliability Engineering team.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 48433 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 02-17-2021 05:29 PM
Boeing has delayed the OFT-2 launch from March 25 to no earlier than April 2 after needing to replace "avionics units affected by a power surge."
More from Irene Klotz with Aviation Week (via Twitter):
The power surge happened Feb. 10 in Boeing KSC Hazardous Processing Area where final vehicle checkouts are underway. "Vehicle boxes were exposed to a higher voltage than designed due to a ground support equipment configuration issue," says Boeing.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 48433 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 05-06-2021 12:40 PM
Boeing and NASA are now targeting 2:53 p.m. EDT (1853 GMT) on Friday, July 30, 2021, for the launch of Starliner's uncrewed Orbital Flight Test-2 (OFT-2), pending range approval.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 48433 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 07-12-2021 01:35 PM
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex release
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex to Host Launch Viewing for ULA Atlas V Starliner Orbital Flight Test
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex guests will once again "feel the heat" when the United Launch Alliance Atlas V CST-100 Starliner Orbital Flight Test 2 (OFT-2) soars toward the stratosphere on Friday, July 30 at approximately 2:53 p.m. EDT. Special viewing packages will include the popular Feel the Fun (Atlantis North Lawn) and Feel the Heat (Apollo/Saturn V Center).*
"As we continue to reopen operations, we are excited to bring back some of our most sought-after launch viewing opportunities," said Therrin Protze, chief operating officer, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. "This is an exciting launch as we prepare for Boeing's upcoming crewed launches."
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex offers some of the closest public viewing of launches with distinctive experiences like live launch commentary from space experts and access to all exhibits and attractions prior to the launch. Viewing opportunities include:
Package: "Feel the Heat"
Location: Banana Creek at Apollo/Saturn V Center, 5.4 miles from Launch Complex 41
Cost: $250 per person
Package includes:
Two-day admission (second use is valid after launch, within 30 days)
Special badge with lanyard
Exclusive gift and mission lithograph
Catered meal from Moon Rock Cafe
Jumbotron live feed and commentary provided by a Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex space expert
Bus transportation to and from Banana Creek
Digital photo at Apollo/Saturn V Center
Package: "Feel the Fun"
Location: Atlantis North Lawn, 7.1 miles from Launch Complex 41
Cost: $149 per person
Package Includes:
Two-day admission (second use is valid after launch, within 30 days)
Special badge with lanyard
Exclusive gift and mission lithograph
Catered meal
Jumbotron live feed and commentary provided by a Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex space expert
Live DJ
Interactive activities
Digital photo at viewing location
Package: "Main Visitor Complex"
Location: Atlantis South Lot
Cost: $75
Package includes:
Two-day admission (second use is valid after launch, within 30 days)
Live launch feed projected on large screen and commentary provided by a Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex space expert
Mission lithograph
As always, the health and safety of employees and guests is the highest priority for Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. In accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) recommendations, the visitor complex continues to operate at a limited capacity and encourages advance daily admission purchases. The visitor complex continues to accommodate social distancing queues in restaurants, show viewing areas, and other facilities throughout the complex; and implement increased frequency of sanitization and disinfection. Additional details are available here.
Ticket packages are sold for the specific mission and not for a specific date. Packages can be booked via the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex website or by calling 855-737-5235. The limited-availability packages will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
*Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will not have viewing available for daily admission ticket holders and this launch is a blackout date for annual passes. Only guests who have valid launch package tickets will be able to access the visitor complex on the day of the launch.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 48433 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 07-28-2021 07:02 PM
From United Launch Alliance (via Twitter):
Wondering when and where you may see the Atlas V Starliner OFT-2 launch? The visibility map shows your best chances to see the rocket along the eastern seaboard of the U.S.!
Launch is scheduled for Friday at 2:53 p.m. EDT (1853 UTC) from Cape Canaveral.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 48433 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 07-29-2021 02:53 PM
United Launch Alliance (ULA) release
Mission Update: OFT-2 Launch Delay
The launch of the United Launch Alliance (ULA) OFT-2 mission for NASA and Boeing has been delayed due to the situation onboard the International Space Station. The combined NASA, Boeing and ULA teams are working to determine the next launch attempt.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 48433 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 07-30-2021 06:49 PM
NASA, Boeing and ULA have now officially set Tuesday (Aug. 3) at 1:20 p.m. EDT for the next launch attempt.
Today’s forecast predicts a 60 percent chance of favorable weather conditions.
SpaceAngel Member
Posts: 390 From: Maryland Registered: May 2010
posted 08-02-2021 02:17 PM
Will there be a dummy astronaut; i.e. similar to OFT-1?
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 48433 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 08-02-2021 02:48 PM
The same "Rosie the Rocketeer" anthropometric test device that flew on OFT-2 is again flying on OFT-2, but this time only as a weight and balance device (ballast). She won't be instrumented or collecting data, but other sensors in the spacecraft will be active to record conditions during the flight.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 48433 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 08-03-2021 09:30 AM
Boeing update (via Twitter):
We're confirming today's (Aug. 3) Starliner Orbital Flight Test-2 launch is scrubbed. More details soon.
SpaceAngel Member
Posts: 390 From: Maryland Registered: May 2010
posted 08-04-2021 11:17 AM
Does NASA and Boeing knows when is the next launch opportunity window for OFT-2?
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 48433 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 08-04-2021 01:20 PM
No new launch window will be set until engineers are able to determine what caused thruster position indications to read as they did. For a launch to still happen this month, that work needs to be complete with enough time for the OFT-2 mission to fly and not conflict with the higher priority SpaceX CRS-23 mission set to liftoff on Aug. 29.
If they do have to stand down for the Falcon launch, then OFT-2 may have to wait under October, but there are range constraints then, too.
Delta7 Member
Posts: 1680 From: Bluffton IN USA Registered: Oct 2007
posted 08-04-2021 07:42 PM
At this point it's entirely possible that SpaceX will have successfully launched five crewed Dragon spacecraft for NASA before Starliner has its first. Something I doubt anyone would have thought possible when the two contracts were originally awarded. Not to mention Inspiration4 and Axiom 1.
SpaceAngel Member
Posts: 390 From: Maryland Registered: May 2010
posted 08-10-2021 05:19 AM
I read from Space.com that Boeing is hopeful to launch their Starliner, despite technical problems; not sure what are the odds...
...the company has revealed that they found issues with 13 valves and, since the problem was first detected on Aug. 3, mission teams have restored functionality to seven of those 13 valves, according to a statement from Boeing. They added that they are working towards an August launch for the vehicle.
oly Member
Posts: 1382 From: Perth, Western Australia Registered: Apr 2015
posted 08-10-2021 07:21 AM
Boeing were quick to note that this fault was not software related. For 13 valves to fail at the same time without a software fail, a hardware design issue capable of failing 13 valves should trigger a redesign or a handling procedural change.
Somewhere within Boeing is a manager trying to compose some words of inspiration for the first crew.
NukeGuy Member
Posts: 84 From: Irvine, CA USA Registered: May 2014
posted 08-12-2021 09:56 AM
Didn’t the first commander of the inaugural flight resign because the flight would have conflicted with his daughter’s wedding? That was about a year ago. Sounds like a polite way to dodge a bullet.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 48433 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 08-12-2021 11:41 AM
Chris Ferguson genuinely stepped aside to put his family first, after missing out on many family events during his time as a NASA astronaut and then managing the development of Starliner.
He is still closely involved in the mission as Boeing's Director of Crew and Mission Systems for CST-100 Starliner.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 48433 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 08-12-2021 07:13 PM
NASA and Boeing will host a joint media teleconference at 1 p.m. EDT (1700 GMT) on Friday (Aug. 13) to discuss the status of the Orbital Flight Test-2. Participants in the briefing will be:
Kathryn Lueders, NASA associate administrator for human exploration and operations
Steve Stich, manager of NASA's Commercial Crew Program
John Vollmer, vice president and program manager of Boeing's Commercial Crew Program
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 48433 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 08-13-2021 11:41 AM
From Boeing on Twitter:
We've determined Starliner will return to our factory for deeper-level troubleshooting of four propulsion system valves. With NASA, we've decided to stand down for this launch window to make way for other national priority missions.
Ken Havekotte Member
Posts: 3443 From: Merritt Island, Florida, Brevard Registered: Mar 2001
posted 08-13-2021 11:53 AM
Wow! Just heard the latest OFT-2 news with the Starliner getting off the Atlas V and heading back to its checkout and processing facility (C3PF).
What a mess it sounds like but hopefully Boeing will fix everything and reschedule the launch when ready.
I guess all four propulsion valve assemblies of the CST-100 were working fine when preparing OFT-1 and flight in 2019, correct? And the topic of a lightning storm earlier when at the pad is no longer an issue, as I am told.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 48433 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 08-13-2021 12:24 PM
This problem was not seen during OFT-1 in 2019 or during the pad abort test.
According to John Vollmer with Boeing, the leading theory for root cause is that oxidizer permeated through some of the seals in the valves, which then combined with atmospheric moisture created nitric acid, resulting in corrosion and stiction.
The oxidizer permeation is a known and understood occurrence. They do not yet understand how moisture was able to enter the system.
On board Starliner there are 24 oxidizer valves, 24 fuel valves and 16 helium valves all of the same design. All 13 that had problems are oxidizer valves.
It is not yet known if this problem will require a redesign of the valves or if it can be addressed by other preventive measures.
quote:Originally posted by Ken Havekotte: And the topic of a lightning storm earlier when at the pad is no longer an issue, as I am told.
Yes and no. According to Vollmer, the issue is not about rain or water intrusion because the valves are covered on the pad, but the high degree of humidity may have contributed to the atmospheric moisture. This is something they still need to investigate.
OLDIE Member
Posts: 326 From: Portsmouth, England Registered: Sep 2004
posted 08-14-2021 03:55 AM
If oxidiser permeation is a known and understood problem, I'm surprised that the seals were not replaced earlier with seals which had anti-permeation properties. Just my few pennies!
oly Member
Posts: 1382 From: Perth, Western Australia Registered: Apr 2015
posted 08-14-2021 05:56 AM
What seal material works better than the material currently in use?
From what information Boeing released during the press conference today, the issue may have been caused by pre-existing moisture inside the oxidizer system. Perhaps a case of contaminated oxidizer or a handling issue. Hopefully an investigation will get to the bottom of this.
SpaceAngel Member
Posts: 390 From: Maryland Registered: May 2010
posted 08-14-2021 06:28 AM
What a shame; I know it was the right thing to call off the launch if something goes amiss.
SpaceCadet1983 Member
Posts: 391 From: Pacific NW, United States Registered: May 2012
posted 08-14-2021 09:20 PM
Discouraging news, but the right decision. Things are beginning to sound a little like the pre-Apollo 1 tragedy days. One problem after another. Here's hoping they get everything corrected and the bird flies!
SpaceAngel Member
Posts: 390 From: Maryland Registered: May 2010
posted 08-21-2021 07:03 AM
Seeing how the Starliner was removed from the Atlas, I thought the problem was on the launch-pad and not the spacecraft itself...
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 48433 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 08-21-2021 09:29 AM
The problem is in 13 valves that feed oxidizer to the spacecraft's thrusters. The destacking was necessary, in part, because neither the launchpad or vertical integration facility provided access to all of the valves in question.
SpaceAngel Member
Posts: 390 From: Maryland Registered: May 2010
posted 09-25-2021 12:50 PM
I read from Spaceflight Now that the OTF-2 demo flight might not take place until sometime next year; though it is huge setback, I know screwing up is not an option for the space program.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 48433 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 10-08-2021 04:41 PM
Boeing has identified a most probable cause and although some verification work remains underway, NASA's and Boeing's confidence is high enough that they are commencing corrective and preventive actions.
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.
SpaceAholic Member
Posts: 5076 From: Sierra Vista, Arizona Registered: Nov 1999
posted 10-20-2021 08:41 AM
Humid Florida air may have caused valves to stick in Boeing's Starliner space capsule during preparation for Orbital Flight Test-2, the company and NASA announced Tuesday (Oct. 19), reports UPI.
A substance in Starliner's system that helps initiate a chemical reaction -- known as an oxidizer -- interacted with humidity to corrode at least 13 of 24 valves, said Michelle Parker, Boeing chief engineer for space and launch systems.
"It was a humid time of year, in August," Parker said. "We had looked at the humidity, and we've physically seen some evidence of condensation within the service module."
Tests after the Aug. 3 scrub managed to free nine of those stuck valves using electric pulses or heat, Parker said. But the company still isn't certain of the root cause, and has sent two valves to NASA facilities for further tests.
SkyMan1958 Member
Posts: 1197 From: CA. Registered: Jan 2011
posted 10-20-2021 11:38 AM
Humidity and/or rain at the Cape caused problems with the valves by reacting with the oxidizer? Last I checked, humidity and rain were a known condition at the Cape. This is pathetic by Boeing. If you can't engineer someway to keep the moisture away from the oxidizer you should not be getting $4+ billion dollars.
oly Member
Posts: 1382 From: Perth, Western Australia Registered: Apr 2015
posted 10-20-2021 10:52 PM
Does the existing commercial crew contract have a cut-off date? My understanding is that the contract with Boeing was for six operational flights which were meant to occur before the planned 2024 ISS end date. It was estimated that Boeing fly one mission every six months, but if the Starliner does not become operational before 2023, what demand will be put on Boeing?
With NASA wanting to extend the ISS operations as a commercial program, and their request for information regarding American crew transportation to the space station beyond 2024 being released, will Boeing have to meet all six operational flights before the 2024 date? Will they be allowed to carry over their obligation? Or will they be required to repay the money that they demanded upfront for missions that they can’t deliver?
Additionally, what arrangements were made with ULA for the six operational Atlas V launch vehicles? I expect that ULA was counting on some income stream from Boeing after going through the process of human rating the launch vehicle. Now that two crew-rated rockets have been used for a non-crewed launch (OFT-1 and Lucy), ULA must be questioning if they will achieve their side of the arrangement.
NASA needs a second launch provider as an insurance policy should something happen to a SpaceX rocket that shuts them down for a significant period. If Boeing can't meet this requirement, many Americans are going to be annoyed if NASA has to go pen-on-open-cheque-book to Russia for launch services.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 48433 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 10-20-2021 11:47 PM
The Commercial Crew Transportation Capability Contract (CCtCap) with Boeing (and SpaceX) was for a minimum of two and a maximum of six post-certification missions. The number of flights to be awarded (beyond the first two) is determined by NASA's needs, based on activities aboard the space station.
Payments are made on a milestone basis, at the completion of each milestone (in this case, the successful completion of a post-certification mission).
From my quick read, the contract does not specify 2024 (or any other year) as a deadline for completion of the contract.
quote:Originally posted by SkyMan1958: ...humidity and rain were a known condition at the Cape.
It wasn't the humidity that was the problem (Boeing even described it as "normal environment humidity"); rather it was the nitrogen tetroxide oxidizer permeating Teflon seals in the valves.
The question still being investigated is why that permeation only affected one set of valves on the vehicle.