June 24th, 2024

Astronauts stranded, multiple issues w Starliner – return flight window closing

NASA and Boeing troubleshoot Starliner spacecraft issues, stranding astronauts on the ISS. Return delayed with ongoing problems like helium leaks and thruster failures. Engineers aim for safe resolution amid past setbacks.

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Astronauts stranded, multiple issues w Starliner – return flight window closing

NASA and Boeing engineers are troubleshooting multiple faults in the Starliner spacecraft, leaving two astronauts stranded aboard the International Space Station. The return window is closing with only 45 days of docking time available. The astronauts were scheduled to return on June 13 but have been delayed multiple times due to ongoing issues. The spacecraft experienced helium leaks and thruster failures during its inaugural crewed flight. Engineers are working to resolve these problems to ensure a safe return. The Starliner capsule is docked to the ISS while assessments are ongoing. Boeing's Starliner has faced various setbacks in previous missions, including software faults and issues with fuel valves. This current mission marks Boeing's third attempt to transport crew to the ISS. The spacecraft is part of NASA's Commercial Crew Program, aiming to ferry astronauts into low Earth orbit. SpaceX's Crew Dragon, another spacecraft from the program, has had successful flights since 2020. The current situation highlights the challenges and complexities of space exploration missions.

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Link Icon 9 comments
By @snowwrestler - 4 months
That is a heck of a clickbait headline. This is a more informative article for folks who are interested:

https://www.reuters.com/technology/space/how-boeings-starlin...

By @workfromspace - 4 months
This is the first time I felt a reality in space travel became closer to "For All Mankind".
By @gregorymichael - 4 months
What’s the option if Starliner is not cleared for return? Elon to the rescue?
By @api - 4 months
What's happened at Boeing is so remarkably systemic it really needs a book length detailed treatment. I hope one is coming.

The entire company seems to have been absolutely utterly gutted.

By @DrStartup - 4 months
This is a shit article.

Helium leak is in the trunk. They jettison that on return, so only way to debug is to stay at the station for a few a days. Well within parameters.

They are cleared to depart if an emergency.

By @jncfhnb - 4 months
They are relatively fine there if the window is missed, right?
By @ChipperShredder - 4 months
ISS has gained a new module.
By @vimax - 4 months
> "We've learned that our helium system is not performing as designed," Mark Nappi, Boeing's Starliner program manager, said

No, it is working exactly as designed, and the design sucks.