Space news: Boeing ruthlessly mocked on social media after Starliner capsule failure

NATO cut short the test after the Starliner spacecraft was hit by a timing error. The CST-100 Starliner was unmanned for the important test.

However the hope had been to have human astronauts using the capsule by the end of 2020.

NASA has been using Russian rockets to take its astronauts to the ISS since its shuttle programme was halted in 2011.

Both Boeing and Elon Musk’s SpaceX have developed craft they claim will restore its space flying capabilities.

According to the New York Times the Starliner’s clock was set to the wrong time meaning it entered the incorrect orbit.

Following the news Boeing was widely mocked on social media.

On Twitter writer Brent Staples joked: “I would have leant them my alarm clock – had they asked.”

New York Times journalist John Schwartz added: “When it happens on my wrist, billions of dollars aren’t at stake.”

The mockery was joined by numerous other Twitter users.

READ MORE: NASA launch fails as Starliner ‘has not reached the orbit required’

NASA astronaut Nicole Mann, who is expected to join a Starliner flight next year, said she remains convinced of the spacecraft’s safety.

Ms Mann said: “We trained extensively for this type of contingency and had we been on board there, there could have been actions that we could have taken.

“That’s why you have test pilots on board, especially for these early missions.

“We are looking forward to flying on Starliner. We don’t have any safety concerns.”

The launch was welcomed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.

Taking to Twitter he commented: “Fantastic morning watching the mission launch of the Boeing Starliner spacecraft – the first American commercial spacecraft to be built right here in Florida.

“I will continue to provide my full support to our exciting and nation leading aerospace industry.”

Boeing astronaut Chris Ferguson gave details of what took place in a message to Starliner employees.

He commented: “While we were off to a perfect on-time launch this morning, as most of you know by now, the team was presented with unique and unanticipated trajectory challenges shortly after we separated from the launch vehicle.

“A combination of on-board timing issues and challenges commanding the vehicle resulted in an incomplete orbit insertion burn and higher than planned propellant usage.

“We are currently in a safe orbit thanks to the timely actions of the Mission Operations and Mission Support Room teams.

“The professionalism and poise under what have certainly been the most demanding conditions this veteran team has ever experienced is a testament to their pre-flight preparation and training.”

source: express.co.uk