Boeing's Starliner mission to ISS postpones return again amid technical issues
Date
6/23/2024 7:47:08 AM
(MENAFN) Boeing's first astronaut mission using the Starliner capsule has been extended again, with the spacecraft now scheduled to remain docked at the International Space Station (ISS) until at least July 2. This new date is a week later than the initially planned departure on June 26, allowing Boeing and NASA more time to resolve several emerging issues with the capsule.
Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, provided an update on Friday evening (June 21), emphasizing the methodical approach being taken. "We are taking our time and following our standard mission management team process," Stich explained. "We are letting the data drive our decision-making relative to managing the small helium system leaks and thruster performance we observed during rendezvous and docking."
The current mission, known as Crew Flight Test, launched on June 5, successfully transporting NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams to the ISS, where the capsule docked the following day. Despite the successful docking, the mission has encountered several technical challenges. During its approach to the station, Starliner experienced issues with five of its 28 reaction control system (RCS) thrusters, though four were eventually restored to operational status.
In addition to the thruster problems, the mission team identified five small helium leaks in Starliner's propulsion system. One leak was detected before launch but deemed not serious enough to delay the mission, while the other four emerged after the capsule separated from its United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket.
The extension of Starliner's stay at the ISS is intended to provide Boeing and NASA with the necessary time to thoroughly address these issues, ensuring the safety and reliability of the spacecraft for its return journey. This cautious approach underscores the importance of data-driven decision-making in space missions, where the smallest anomalies can have significant implications.
The Crew Flight Test mission represents a critical milestone for Boeing and NASA's Commercial Crew Program, aimed at providing the United States with reliable, independent access to the ISS. By addressing the current challenges, both organizations aim to pave the way for future successful missions using the Starliner capsule.
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