Boeing's Starliner capsule extends ISS stay again, to assess helium system leaks & thruster performance
NASA’s Boeing Starliner Crew Flight Test Launch (File image)
Boeing's Starliner spacecraft, which carried NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams to the International Space Station (ISS), has been extended yet again.
Initially scheduled to depart the ISS on June 26, the spacecraft will now remain docked until at least July 2, according to NASA’s Commercial Crew Program.
This decision will now allow NASA and Boeing to further assess and address the problems encountered during the mission.
The Starliner experienced issues with five of its 28 reaction control system (RCS) thrusters during its rendezvous and docking with the ISS. Five small helium leaks were also detected in the propulsion system.
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While providing an update on the return of astronauts, manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program the Steve Stich on Friday (June 21) said, "We are taking our time and following our standard mission management team process."
"We are letting the data drive our decision making relative to managing the small helium system leaks and thruster performance we observed during rendezvous and docking," he added.
There is a planned NASA spacewalk on July 2 which the space agency is looking to be done with before the return of the astronauts. This extra time will enable NASA to complete the necessary checkouts and ensure the spacecraft is ready for a safe return to Earth.
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Starliner 'performing well'
NASA officials have also expressed confidence in the Starliner's performance while docked to the ISS.
"Starliner is performing well in orbit while docked to the space station," Stich said adding, "We are strategically using the extra time to clear a path for some critical station activities while completing readiness for Butch and Suni's return on Starliner and gaining valuable insight into the system upgrades we will want to make for post-certification missions."
As far as the crew members are concerned, NASA officials said they are "not pressed for time to leave the station since there are plenty of supplies in orbit, and the station's schedule is relatively open through mid-August."
(With inputs from agencies)