Starliner, Boeing’s ship, managed to fly to the International Space Station (ISS) on June 5, in the afternoon in Spain. A launch that the rocket carried out after a month of delay and, once in space, it has faced a series of setbacks, such as helium leaks. Initially his return to Earth was set for Saturday, June 22, then this moment was delayed until June 26; and now it has been postponed again so that NASA can study helium leaks and problems with propellants.
NASA has confirmed through a statement Starliner will remain docked to the ISS at least until next Tuesday, July 2, which would be approximately a week after the previous scheduled date, which was set for June 26. An extension that will allow the US space agency and Boeing more time to evaluate some of the problems that the ship has had to face.
“We are taking our time and following the mission management team’s standard process. We are letting the data guide our decision making regarding managing small helium system leaks and thruster performance that we observed during the encounter and docking,” Steve Stich, director of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, said in the statement.
Starliner in full takeoff.
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During a conference, the US space agency has confirmed that the mission will continue to conclude the readiness review and NASA will share those details as they solidify. Additionally, it is worth noting that Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft continues authorized to return home in case of an emergency on the International Space Stationl requiring the crew to leave orbit and return to Earth.
“Starliner is performing well in orbit while docked to the space station. We are strategically using the extra time to clear the way for some critical station activities while we complete preparation for the return of Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams on Starliner and gain valuable information about system upgrades we will want to make for post-launch missions. certification, Stich said.
NASA has also noted that astronauts Wilmore and Williams will remain embedded with members of Expedition 71, assisting with station operations as needed and completing additional in-flight objectives for Starliner certification. “Feedback from the crew has been overwhelmingly positive and they know that everything we learn in the crew flight test will improve and refine our experience for future crews“said Mark Nappi, vice president and director of Boeing’s Starliner program.
