The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Boeing announced a delay in the return of the Starliner to the terrestrial sphere. At first they did not want to reveal the causes, but then they expressed a version that contradicts the first conclusions.
From the North American agency they argued that The decision was made after finding three small helium leaks in the capsule. Initially, the ship was due to return on Monday, but the new date is scheduled for Tuesday, June 18. This change will make it easier for engineers to control leaks and for the crew to achieve a spacewalk.
The astronauts of the POT, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williamsthey took off from the Space Force Station from Cape Canaveral last Wednesday, in what was the first inhabited flight of the Starliner.
NASA Boeing Starliner
What’s happening with NASA’s Boeing Starliner mission
This flight speaks of the third attempt by NASA and Boeing to send astronauts aboard the Starliner since the beginning of May. The return faced several challenges, including conflicts with the ground launch sequencer and errors in five boosters during the docking process with the International Space Station (ISS).
After conducting tests of the reaction control system, four of the boosters could be recovered. The crew successfully docked at the ISS on Thursday. The initial strategy was for the crew to spend only one week on the space station.
“We have had some problems in recent weeks. I know it’s very easy to lose patience while waiting for releases to happen. QBut as I’ve said before, good things are worth waiting for and I hope you agree with me that today’s release was definitely worth the wait.”he explained Ken Bowersoxassociate administrator of NASA’s Space Operations Mission Directorate.
When will NASA’s Starliner mission return?
This delay adds to a series of tests that the Starliner mission experienced, but Both NASA and Boeing continue to work to ensure a protected and successful return scheduled for the days leading up to Tuesday, June 18.
This news is important for the Latino community in the US, since the advancement and success in galactic missions motivate the scientific and technological progress of the country, in addition to promoting future generations of Hispanics in the STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).
Additionally, the Starliner mission marks an important step forward for Boeing and its space program, as it will provide an extra option for transporting NASA astronauts and minimize the United States’ dependence on SpaceX for these crucial missions.
