The highly anticipated launch of the Boeing Starliner, scheduled to carry astronaut Sunita Williams on her third space voyage, has been delayed due to a technical issue. The new launch date is yet to be announced.
Technical Glitch Delays Sunita Williams’ Third Space Mission
The much-awaited launch of the Boeing Starliner, which was supposed to take astronaut Sunita Williams on her third space journey, has been postponed. The delay occurred just 90 minutes before liftoff due to a technical issue with the Atlas V rocket.
Boeing Starliner: Postponement and Technical Details
The launch of the Boeing Starliner, set to carry astronaut Sunita Williams to space for the third time, faced a setback as the Atlas V rocket experienced a technical glitch. The issue was identified in an oxygen relief valve, leading to the postponement of the launch.
Sunita Williams’ Mission Delayed: Technical Issue with Boeing Starliner
The launch of the Boeing Starliner, intended to take astronaut Sunita Williams on her third space mission, has been delayed due to a technical problem with the Atlas V rocket. The postponement occurred just 90 minutes before liftoff.
Ms. Williams, a prominent figure for women in space exploration, was eagerly anticipating her return to space aboard the brand-new Boeing Starliner. The spacecraft was scheduled to depart from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida’s Cape Canaveral at 8:04 am India time.
However, moments before liftoff, the launch was called off by the US space agency NASA due to an off-nominal condition with the oxygen relief valve. Ms. Williams, along with NASA’s Barry Wilmore, who were slated to fly the Starliner to the International Space Station, safely exited the spacecraft.
Sunita Williams: A Trailblazer in Space Exploration
This mission would have marked the third space journey for the Indian-origin astronaut, who has spent a total of 322 days in space. Ms. Williams holds the record for the most hours of spacewalk by a woman, although she was later surpassed by Peggy Whitson.
Sunita Williams: Groundbreaking Achievements
Ms. Williams was poised to make history as the first woman to fly on the maiden crewed mission of a new space shuttle. Her previous space voyage was from December 9, 2006, to June 22, 2007, during which she set a world record for women by completing four spacewalks totaling 29 hours and 17 minutes.
Sunita Williams: No Stranger to Challenges
Despite feeling a bit nervous, Ms. Williams expressed confidence in flying aboard a new spacecraft. She played a significant role in designing the Starliner, collaborating with engineers from NASA and Boeing. “When I reach the International Space Station, it will feel like going back home,” she remarked.
Sunita Williams: Traditions and Customs in Space
Before the launch, Ms. Williams shared her plan to carry an idol of Lord Ganesh, her “good luck charm,” on this journey. Previously, she had brought a copy of the Bhagwad Gita. An avid marathoner, she even completed a triathlon in space, competing with athletes on Earth.
Boeing Starliner Mission: Testing and Certification
The upcoming 10-day mission was intended to validate the Starliner’s capabilities in space. It would have also demonstrated the team’s preparedness to attain NASA certification and conduct long-duration missions for the US space agency.
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