CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — Boeing’s first astronaut launch is off until late next week because of a bad valve in the rocket that needs to be replaced.
The countdown was halted Monday night after a pressure-relief valve in the Atlas V rocket’s upper stage opened and closed so quickly and so many times that it created a loud buzz. Engineers for United Launch Alliance determined Tuesday that the valve has exceeded its design limit and must now be removed, pushing liftoff to no earlier than May 17.
The NASA astronauts assigned to the Starliner capsule’s test flight to the International Space Station — Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams — will remain at Cape Canaveral.
Starliner’s first crew flight already is years behind schedule because of a multitude of capsule problems.
The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
CFL's Chad Kelly suspended at least 9 games after investigation into ex
South China Sea news: Chinese media slams Australian warship at centre of sonar incident
China sanctions 2 US defense companies and says they support arms sales to Taiwan
Pope Francis appoints new bishop in Tennessee after former bishop's resignation under pressure
Changes to tenancy laws to come into force next year
How Hong Kong's unique cityscape helps boost its cultural identity and image
Yan Chenglong: Chinese chess champ dethroned after defecating and sex toy cheat claims
Andy Ibáñez homers twice, Ryan Vilade gets first MLB hit, RBIs as Tigers outslug Guardians 11
BNDES to chair D20, group of major development banks
Emily Ratajkowski leaves NOTHING to the imagination as she goes underwear
Premier House report recommends $33m refurbishment for 'dated' building