Officials explain the telltale "buzz" that caused the crewed launch of the Boeing Starliner to be postponed at the last minute.

 Two NASA astronauts stood on the verge of a highly anticipated launch aboard Boeing’s Starliner capsule, marking the spacecraft's maiden crewed mission. However, just hours before liftoff, the mission hit a snag due to an issue with a valve on the Atlas V rocket, the trusted launch vehicle crafted by Alabama-based United Launch Alliance.

The launch, slated for 10:34 p.m. ET Monday from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, was delayed approximately two hours before liftoff. Now, launch officials are in a holding pattern, awaiting further assessments before scheduling a second attempt. Possible launch windows include Tuesday at 10:11 p.m. ET, as well as the evenings of May 10 and 11.

NASA’s associate administrator for space operations, Ken Bowersox, reassured during a news briefing that the delay is part of the process, emphasizing the importance of ensuring a smooth launch. Engineers are diligently examining the valve issue on the Atlas V rocket’s second stage, aiming to determine if replacements or adjustments are necessary before the next launch attempt.

The Crew Flight Test, as this mission is dubbed, represents a significant milestone in NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. If successful, it could pave the way for routine operations, expanding the agency's options for ferrying astronauts to the International Space Station. The crew for this historic voyage comprises seasoned astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, who bring extensive spaceflight experience to the mission.

This launch holds particular significance for Boeing, as it aims to establish its Starliner spacecraft as a viable alternative to SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule. While SpaceX has been actively supporting NASA’s crew transportation needs since 2020, Boeing’s Starliner program has faced delays and setbacks, making this flight crucial for the aerospace giant.

With the eyes of the world on this mission, the hope is for a successful test flight, which could herald a new era of space travel and collaboration between NASA and its commercial partners.