Today’s Current Affairs: Boeing Starliner’s launch faces yet another delay as a propulsion system issue surfaces, raising concerns about the spacecraft’s readiness. With hopes pinned on a successful liftoff on May 21 from Cape Canaveral, Florida, the mission, carrying NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, marks a crucial step in Boeing’s long-standing efforts to provide NASA with a reliable transportation option to the International Space Station. Amidst technical challenges and budget overruns, the aerospace company perseveres in its quest to advance space exploration.
1. What was the reason for the recent delay in Boeing Starliner’s launch?
– A. Issue with the spacecraft’s propulsion system
– B. Weather conditions
– C. Technical issues with the rocket
– D. Fuel leak
Answer: A. Issue with the spacecraft’s propulsion system
2. Who are the two NASA astronauts scheduled to be onboard the Starliner spacecraft?
– A. Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley
– B. Christina Koch and Jessica Meir
– C. Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore
– D. Shannon Walker and Victor Glover
Answer: C. Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore
3. What is the purpose of Starliner’s latest mission, the Crewed Flight Test?
– A. To test the spacecraft’s communication systems
– B. To deliver supplies to the International Space Station
– C. To certify the spacecraft for routine astronaut missions
– D. To conduct scientific experiments in space
Answer: C. To certify the spacecraft for routine astronaut missions
4. How much over budget is the Starliner program?
– A. $500 million
– B. $1.5 billion
– C. $2 billion
– D. $3 billion
Answer: B. $1.5 billion
What was the reason for the delay in Boeing Starliner’s launch?
The launch was delayed due to an issue with the spacecraft’s propulsion system, specifically a small helium leak detected in the spacecraft’s service module.
Why was the initial launch on May 7 aborted?
The initial launch on May 7 was aborted as the Atlas V rocket carrying the Starliner space capsule had to be rolled back to its hangar to replace a pressure valve.
Who are the NASA astronauts scheduled to be on board the Boeing Starliner spacecraft?
The NASA astronauts scheduled to be on board the Boeing Starliner spacecraft are Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore.
What is the purpose of Boeing Starliner’s latest mission, called the Crewed Flight Test?
The purpose of Boeing Starliner’s latest mission, called the Crewed Flight Test, is to be the final test before the spacecraft is certified by NASA to fly routine astronaut missions to the International Space Station.
Boeing's Starliner spacecraft launch was delayed again due to a propulsion system issue, raising concerns about the mission. The initial launch on May 7 was aborted for a pressure valve replacement. Now, a helium leak in the propulsion system has caused further delays. The spacecraft, carrying NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, is now set to launch on May 21 from Cape Canaveral, Florida. This mission is crucial for Boeing, as it aims to provide NASA with a second US spacecraft for ISS missions, following SpaceX's successful Crew Dragon launches. Despite the setbacks, Boeing is hopeful that the third time will indeed be the charm for Starliner.
