When will Starliner come home?
Boeing's Starliner capsule, with NASA astronauts aboard, faces delays in returning due to technical issues. Engineers investigate problems for a safe return, gathering valuable data for future missions.
Read original article
Boeing's Starliner capsule, carrying NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, has been in orbit for over a month with no set return date due to helium leaks and thruster problems. Engineers are investigating these issues before clearing the capsule for departure. Despite challenges, the astronauts have integrated into the ISS crew, performing tasks and experiments. Boeing engineers are scrutinizing anomalies to determine their cause. The spacecraft is rated for emergency departure, with plans to return by mid-August. The extended stay provides valuable data for future missions. Lessons learned from this mission will inform operational astronaut missions. Engineers are working to prevent similar thruster issues in the future. The focus remains on ensuring a safe return for the astronauts, with preparations underway for undocking and landing. NASA, Boeing, and the astronauts maintain confidence in Starliner despite the ongoing challenges.
Related
Astronauts stranded in space due to multiple issues with Boeing's Starliner
NASA and Boeing troubleshoot faults in Starliner, stranding astronauts on ISS. Return window closing in 45 days. Issues include helium leaks, thruster failures. Engineers aim for safe return amid past setbacks.
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.
Two US astronauts stranded in space on board Boeing's Starliner capsule
Two US astronauts, Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore, face delays in returning from space due to issues with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft. Contingency plans involve using SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft if needed.
Despite indefinite delay, NASA insists Boeing Starliner crew not "stranded"
NASA delays Boeing Starliner return due to thruster tests and helium leaks. Crew not stranded in space. Engineers investigate issues for safe return after thorough data collection and ground tests.
NASA astronauts from Boeing's Starliner may be stuck in space until August
Nasa astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore face extended stay in space due to Starliner technical issues. Boeing and NASA work on safety tests for potential return by late July.
3 commentsThe unrelenting comments about "AWESOME data" (their caps, not mine) are wearing thin. The onboard systems may be working fine, but there's only so much you can learn about thrusters, when you can't actually fire them.
I expect SpaceX will be bringing back two crews.
The problem is how to stop congress forcing NASA to cut funding.
Nobody likes to look foolish. Launching was risky.
Next routine Space-X mission to the ISS, the 9th crewed mission, is in mid-August.
Related
Astronauts stranded in space due to multiple issues with Boeing's Starliner
NASA and Boeing troubleshoot faults in Starliner, stranding astronauts on ISS. Return window closing in 45 days. Issues include helium leaks, thruster failures. Engineers aim for safe return amid past setbacks.
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.
Two US astronauts stranded in space on board Boeing's Starliner capsule
Two US astronauts, Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore, face delays in returning from space due to issues with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft. Contingency plans involve using SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft if needed.
Despite indefinite delay, NASA insists Boeing Starliner crew not "stranded"
NASA delays Boeing Starliner return due to thruster tests and helium leaks. Crew not stranded in space. Engineers investigate issues for safe return after thorough data collection and ground tests.
NASA astronauts from Boeing's Starliner may be stuck in space until August
Nasa astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore face extended stay in space due to Starliner technical issues. Boeing and NASA work on safety tests for potential return by late July.