It may take Elon Musk to save these astronauts from being stranded on the ISS for many more weeks.
Boeing is still trying to resolve issues with its Starliner spacecraft, which remains indefinitely docked at the International Space Station (ISS) due to multiple malfunctions. The capsule managed to dock on June 6 despite initial helium leaks, but further leaks affecting its thruster system have compounded the problems.
NASA has yet to set a return date for astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who have been stranded on the ISS for over a month. Boeing has been conducting tests on spare thrusters back on Earth to diagnose the issues. “We collected an incredible amount of data on the thruster that could help us better understand what is going on in flight,” stated NASA’s commercial crew program manager Steve Stich. The team is now focusing on engine tear downs and inspections to gain further insights.
Two astronauts remain at the International Space Station, their return delayed because of problems with thrusters on the Boeing Starliner spacecraft. Another mission, set to depart next month, is in limbo, after a problem with the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.https://t.co/VBYOlLzAdt
— Janice Graves (@JaniceG22847093) July 20, 2024
The helium leaks have reportedly caused several thrusters to overheat, raising concerns about the spacecraft’s ability to navigate back to Earth. Despite these issues, NASA insists that Starliner could still safely return Williams and Wilmore in an emergency. Stich explained that the thrusters had been fired more frequently than anticipated, leading to overheating. Boeing’s tests at White Sands aim to replicate the thruster pulses experienced during the flight to understand the heating effects and ensure no unintended consequences.
Raumfahrt – #OFT3 Boeing Starliner Mission -Update-7:https://t.co/hmVfq0W4t5 pic.twitter.com/rQckSs9GLL
— Hansjürgen Köhler / CENAP (@CenapKoehler) July 20, 2024
While the thruster testing phase has been completed, closer inspections are underway. Meanwhile, Wilmore and Williams are taking inventory of food supplies and assisting with an experiment on manufacturing optical fibers in space, according to NASA.
The astronauts’ return, originally scheduled for 14 days, remains uncertain, stretching into several months.
Key Points:
- Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft remains indefinitely docked at the ISS due to multiple helium leaks and thruster issues.
- Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams have been stranded on the ISS for over a month, with no return date set.
- Boeing conducted thruster tests on Earth to diagnose the overheating issues caused by frequent thruster pulses.
- NASA maintains that Starliner could still return the astronauts safely in an emergency, despite the malfunctions.
- While awaiting further inspections, Wilmore and Williams are managing food supplies and conducting experiments on the ISS.
Cleo F. Kanter – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
