The POT stated that the capsule Starliner from Boeing is not “trapped” on the International Space Station (ISS) and that Two astronauts on the mission are safe.
He added that there are no new problems on the ship and that they hope to find solutions within a month and a half.
The manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, Steve Stich, said in a virtual press conference that nor there is no desire to bring back to astronauts Barry ‘Butch’ Wilmore and Sunita ‘Suni’ Williams, as they continue to work to resolve technical problems in returning to Earth.
Starliner “is in good condition”
Stich, who did not mention any return date for now, said that the Starliner did not have any new problems and that the ship “is in good condition.”
The Boeing company’s first manned space mission was due to return on June 14, but was delayed due to helium leaks.
Photo: Reuters
Over the past week, NASA and Boeing have remained silent on the capsule’s return, which they had postponed until last Tuesday, sparking speculation and conspiracy theories.
Both indicated this Friday that they were going to make information about Starliner more frequent.
“What we hope to do today is perhaps clear up some information that has been out there and any misunderstandings about the flight and our status of the Starliner and path forward,” Stich said.
At least 45 more days
Stich stressed that the vehicle is being reviewed to ensure that everything is ready for the Starliner’s return to Earth.
We are talking about a limit of 45 days, in which a series of battery checks and their performance in orbit will be carried out.
Photo: X / BoeingSpace
He recalled that Starliner is designed for a 210-day mission, that “the systems are working well” and the software for its correct operation and the propellers.
Regarding the helium leaks that were detected, it was detailed that they were verified on the 15th and that the filtration rates were decreasing in all the collectors that had leaks.
Boeing upset with media comments
Mark Nappi, vice president of Boeing’s Commercial Crew Program, was particularly hurt by the comments made in multiple media outlets about the mission.
“It’s quite painful to read the things that are out there. We’ve gotten a really good test flight and it’s being viewed in a pretty negative light,” without any real exposure of the facts.
And he repeated the same thing that Stich said: “We are not trapped” in the ISS, “the The crew is not in any danger and there is no increased risk when we decide to bring it” back to Earth.
He gave a positive recap of the mission so far, with a “really perfect” launch and orbital insertion and all flight test objectives met.
Photo: X / BoeingSpace
Nappi said that extending their stay on the ISS has also allowed them to learn more about what a long-duration mission is like, something that would have been impossible if they had to return after eight days.
“So we are docked” at the ISS and “safe,” Nappi said, stressing that if necessary, they could return the ship to Earth.
Anomalies
He acknowledged, however, that the extension of the stay on the ISS was due to two anomalies: the deactivation of the thrusters on approach to the space laboratory and the helium leaks, which require testing and more time for permanent repair.
If the so-called CFT (Crew Flight Test) mission is successful and NASA certifications are achieved, Boeing will become the second provider of manned and cargo flights to the ISS, as Elon Musk’s company, SpaceX, already does. (EFE)
