Two astronauts POT They are currently stranded and have no return date to Earth, in the International Space Station (ISS)due to various mechanical problems with the spacecraft Boeing Starliner.
The ship, which took off on June 5 from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Stationin Floridahad the flight commander on board Barry “Butch” Wilmore already the flight pilot Sunita “Suni” Williamswho arrived at the ISS one day later.
The purpose of the flight was part of the NASA Commercial Crew Programwhich seeks to certify spacecraft Boeing to carry out routine missions to and from the ISS. The astronauts were originally scheduled to return on June 14, but have experienced multiple delays and do not have a set date to return to Earth.
Steve Stich, manager of the NASA Commercial Crew Programnoted that they follow a standard mission management process: “We took our time and followed our standard mission management process”he quoted ABC News. Stich explained that they are handling small leaks in the helium system and problems with thruster performance observed during docking and approach.
For its part, the POT and Boeing They ensure that the crew is not in danger and they have sufficient supplies in orbit, in addition, the station has a relatively free schedule until mid-August. Astronauts Wilmore and Williams are “integrated” with the Expedition 71 crew aboard the ISS.
Mark Nappi, Vice President and Program Manager Boeing’s Starlinermentioned that the feedback from the crew has been very positive: “The feedback from the crew has been overwhelmingly positive, and they know that every learning we gain from the Crew Flight Test will improve and refine our experience for future crews.”
The ship Starliner The test flight was initially tentatively scheduled for May 6 this year, but was cancelled due to a problem with an oxygen valve on a rocket. United Launch Alliance (ULA)a company that manufactures and operates the rockets that launch spacecraft into space.
A new launch date was later set for May 25, but a small helium leak was discovered in the service module.
After coupling in the ISS, five small helium leaks were detected. At that moment, the POT and Boeing They said there was enough helium for the return mission. Wilmore and Williams are contributing to station operations and completing objectives necessary for possible certification of the Starliner.
