Boeing Starliner launch: Boeing Starliner won't reach the International Space Station and will …

Florida TodayCAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft won’t reach the International Space Station as planned after its liftoff from Cape Canaveral early Friday, the result of a timing issue that caused the capsule to prematurely burn fuel and fail to reach the required orbit.

It quickly burned through its fuel supply, precluding any chance at an International Space Station arrival but still leaving enough to operate and hopefully land the vehicle.

Boeing Starliner orbit issue:What we knowA backup command would have helped overcome the issue, but Starliner at the time was between NASA’s Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System satellites, so the command didn’t get through.

“And in fact, had they been in there, we may be docking with the International Space Station tomorrow.

Bridenstine said an investigation will be needed to determine if Boeing will need to fly another uncrewed mission before proceeding with crews.