Boeing’s first astronaut launch, part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, was postponed just hours before its scheduled departure from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida due to a valve issue in the Atlas V rocket’s upper stage. This delay adds to previous setbacks in Boeing’s space ambitions, which include a failed test flight in 2019 affecting the Starliner capsule’s ability to reach the International Space Station (ISS). The astronauts designated for this mission were Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams. No new launch date has been provided.

Meanwhile, the UK Ministry of Defence suffered a significant data breach, affecting the bank details of armed forces personnel. Early reports suggest the attack may be linked to China. The compromised data was handled by a third-party contractor, prompting an immediate shutdown of the affected network.

In environmental news, a study attributes rising levels of harmful blue-green algae in Lake Windermere to increased tourist activity. Researchers highlighted the need for stricter regulations on local wastewater treatment plants to combat this environmental issue.

The latest episode of the Tech & Science Daily podcast discussed several advancements, including the utilization of ancient bacteria to enhance crop resistance against warming temperatures, ongoing developments in quantum computing, and new research into a genetic form of Alzheimer’s disease. These discoveries could offer new directions in technology and medical research.

Boeing’s entry into the commercial space sector aims to mark a significant turnaround for a company that has faced various challenges and criticisms over its aviation manufacturing processes. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson has referred to this period as a ‘golden age of space exploration.’ Despite setbacks, ongoing efforts and rigorous training remain focuses for Boeing’s team, as they compete with SpaceX in the commercial space arena.