Original title: Boeing Co's Starliner capsule launch plan is delayed again due to valve problems
Source: CCTV news client
Boeing Co said on Aug. 13 that the second unmanned flight test of its Starliner capsule would be delayed by at least two months because there was still a problem with the valve in the propulsion system.
The flight test was originally scheduled to be carried out in December 2020, with the goal of docking with the International Space Station, but Boeing Co postponed the flight test several times. The last attempt to launch was on Aug. 3, but in preparation for the launch day, Boeing Co found that 13 propulsion system valves on the capsule did not open, causing the company to postpone the launch again.
Engineers at Boeing Co have successfully repaired nine of the valves, but John Walmer (John Vollmer), vice president of Boeing Co, said it was necessary to bring the capsule back to the company for further investigation. Boeing Co is currently working with valve manufacturers to determine the exact cause of the problem and analyze possible preventive measures and the need for redesign.
According to NASA officials, the flight test is no longer possible in August and is expected to be postponed until mid-October. (CCTV reporter Xu Jie)
(editor Wang Yao)