Boeing's first crewed commercial spacecraft, the Starliner, continues its mission to the International Space Station despite delays and helium leaks. Boeing is assessing the damage.
Flight of the Starliner
Mission Overview
NASA Astronauts Wilmore and Williams set off aboard Boeing's Starliner spacecraft in early June after a series of technical delays. It was originally planned that their stay in orbit would last from 8 to 10 days. However, after almost two weeks of flight, the return of the crew was postponed until June 26.
Last Friday it became known about a new postponement. The company said additional time is needed to plan two spacewalks and evaluate problems on board due to helium leaks. Boeing emphasized that the delays are not considered a failure since this is a test flight and the mission continues successfully. As the corporation noted, extending the mission will allow us to collect more data on detected leaks.
Problems with helium systems
Helium systems and engines are located in the ship's service module, which separates and burns up in the atmosphere upon landing , which does not allow for fault analysis on Earth. The leaks have now been repaired and do not pose a risk to the astronauts' return, with four of the five engines operating normally.
Boeing said that a new return date will be determined after the second reentry space, scheduled for July 2. The crew does not need to leave the station immediately, as there are sufficient supplies in orbit, and the ISS operating schedule is relatively open until mid-August.
Glossary
- NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) - National Aeronautics and Space Administration US space exploration
- Boeing - American aerospace corporation
- Starliner - Boeing's reusable spacecraft for manned flights to low-Earth orbit
- International Space Station (ISS) - permanently inhabited orbiting space station
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Answers to questions
Why the Starliner spacecraft with astronauts is on the ISS longer than planned ?
What problems did the Starliner spaceship have?
How is Boeing solving the Starliner helium leak problem?
Is there any danger to the crew aboard Starliner due to technical problems?
How does Boeing assess the delay in returning the Starliner crew to Earth?
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Discussion of the topic – The Boeing Starliner spacecraft encountered problems: two astronauts got stuck on the ISS
Boeing faced significant challenges during Starliner's first manned mission to the ISS. Two NASA astronauts are stranded on the station while Boeing investigates the damage to the spacecraft.
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Иван
The situation with Boeing Starliner is really difficult. Delays in such missions are, of course, undesirable, but the safety of the crew must come first 🚀
София
I agree, Ivan. It is better to play it safe and thoroughly check all systems than to risk the lives of astronauts. Although delays are unpleasant, the most important thing is the successful completion of the mission. 🌟
Александр
I wonder how serious the helium leaks are and how they could affect the operation of the engines? I hope Boeing engineers will be able to find the cause and fix the problem. 🔧
Виктор
Eh, they always have some problems! Maybe it's time to switch to more reliable Russian systems? 😏 Space is no joke, stability and security are needed here.
Анна
Victor, don't be such a grump! 😄 Of course, the delays are unpleasant, but this is the first manned flight of Starliner. Mistakes are inevitable, the main thing is to learn lessons and move forward. Boeing has a lot of experience, I'm sure they can handle it!
Виктор
Hmm, we'll see... But it seems to me that all this newfangled stuff with private companies in space is a waste of money. 🙄 It’s much better to invest in proven government programs.
Елена
Victor, you are too strict! Private initiatives are very important for the development of the space industry. They stimulate competition, innovation and cost reduction. And Boeing is an experienced company, I’m sure they can handle it 💪🚀
Петр
I'm glad the mission is going ahead despite the delays. This is a great opportunity to collect more data and improve technology. After all, it is during such missions that weaknesses are identified that need to be worked on. 💻👨🔬