• threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.worksM
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    9 days ago

    NASA has only given Boeing the “Authority To Proceed” for three of its six potential operational Starliner missions. This milestone, known as ATP, is a decision point in contracting lingo where the customer—in this case, NASA—places a firm order for a deliverable. NASA has previously said it awards these task orders about two to three years prior to a mission’s launch.

    Josh Finch, a NASA spokesperson, told Ars that the agency hasn’t made any decisions on whether to commit to any more operational Starliner missions from Boeing beyond the three already on the books.

    So if Crew-4 through Crew-6 don’t fly, then three Atlas Vs could be up for sale. Perhaps Boeing could use one for CFT-2, should NASA require it :)

  • ptfrd@sh.itjust.works
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    10 days ago

    first operational mission for August 2025. But the agency set that schedule before realizing Boeing and Aerojet Rocketdyne would need to redesign seals and perhaps other elements

    Not sure this is correct. I had thought the slip from Feb 2025 to Aug 2025 was only announced quite recently. Say, a month ago?

    (Not that I’m saying I think the Aug 2025 date will be achieved. I’m 75% sure it won’t.)