Setback for Boeing, maiden astronaut flight pushed to 2024

Boeing's first astronaut flight, already delayed for several years, has been postponed until at least March next year.

The maiden crew launch has been delayed due to issues with the parachute lines and flammable tape used in the Starliner capsule. The problems were discovered during final reviews ahead of a planned July launch.

The company is currently working on removing the flammable tape, which was initially used to protect the capsule's wiring. However, it was later determined that the tape could not be used in certain areas due to its flammability.

Any tape that cannot be removed will be covered with a protective coating. This process is expected to be completed in the coming weeks.

The issue with the parachute system, however, will take longer to resolve. Some parts of the parachute lines, known as soft links, did not meet safety standards due to improper testing conducted years ago. A redesigned, more robust parachute system is being developed and is expected to be ready by December.

"If a parachute drop test goes well late this year, the spacecraft should be ready to carry two Nasa astronauts to the International Space Station as early as March," said Boeing program manager Mark Nappi. However, he added that it's too early to set even a tentative date due to other space station traffic.

Nasa hired Boeing and SpaceX nearly a decade ago to deliver astronauts to and from the space station. While SpaceX has been operating its taxi service for three years, Boeing has only had two uncrewed Starliner space test flights.

Despite the delays, Nasa still plans to use both companies for crew launches, aiming for one Boeing and one SpaceX crew flight each year.