NASA and Boeing are currently targeting March 29, 2021, as the potential launch date for Orbital Flight Test 2 (OFT-2). This mission represents a crucial step in validating their work within the Commercial Crew program, designed to facilitate human space travel. Boeing was chosen alongside SpaceX by NASA to develop and validate a system for carrying astronauts to and from the International Space Station; while SpaceX has already completed an operational mission, Boeing continues to work towards full certification of its spacecraft.

Boeing’s initial attempt at this mission occurred last December. The Starliner CST-100 crew capsule launched successfully on a ULA rocket, which executed its role without issue. However, the capsule experienced a problem with its internal timing system. A brief interruption in communication with ground control prevented a timely correction, ultimately leading to insufficient fuel for a successful docking with the Space Station – a key objective of the demonstration.

Despite this setback, Boeing successfully managed the Starliner capsule’s return to Earth, including re-entry, descent, and recovery – all important tests of other mission functionalities. Following this, both Boeing and NASA determined that repeating the OFT test was necessary before proceeding with a crewed demonstration.

Following a detailed investigation, Boeing and NASA made adjustments to their software development procedures and collaborative approach to prevent similar timing issues in the future. Originally, the re-flight was planned for sometime this month, roughly a year after the first attempt, but the schedule has shifted, with the first three months of the next year now being the earliest anticipated timeframe.

NASA’s objective is to certify Boeing’s spacecraft, establishing a second commercial provider for astronaut transportation to low-Earth orbit. This dual-provider system is expected to encourage greater commercial involvement in human spaceflight activities around Earth.