Starliner's first crewed flight halted minutes before liftoff

The long-awaited first launch of Boeing's Starliner capsule was abruptly canceled just minutes before liftoff.

The mission, which was supposed to confirm the viability of Starliner as a crew transportation system, was halted by an automatic hold on the ground launch sequencer. That computer, which plays a key role in the rocket's countdown, signaled the stop less than four minutes before liftoff. The exact cause remains unknown.

NASA stated the launch was scrubbed because the ground launch sequencer failed to load into the correct operational configuration during the terminal count.

The team is now investigating the issue to determine if the next launch attempt can proceed as scheduled at 12:03 PM ET tomorrow. If not, additional opportunities are available on June 5 and June 6.

This mission aims to deliver astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams to the International Space Station for a brief stay before their return to Earth.