Boeing's CST-100 Starliner spacecraft, currently docked at the International Space Station (ISS), is grappling with multiple helium leaks in its propulsion system. These leaks, discovered both pre- and post-launch, have raised concerns but are not considered severe enough to jeopardize the mission's success.
The spacecraft, which launched on June 5, encountered its first helium leak shortly after a scrubbed attempt on May 6. Subsequent tests revealed additional leaks, totaling five so far. Despite these issues, NASA officials remain confident that the Starliner has sufficient helium to support its operations, including the critical undocking and return phases.
watch a safety window literally pop out and fall off of the #Boeing #Starliner capsule on its way to the pad. what a joke. pic.twitter.com/mLBH9CClJx
— The Rubber Duck ™ (@TheRubberDuck79) June 24, 2024
The leaks are attributed to seal defects in the helium manifolds of the service module. Although one leak was relatively significant, with a rate of 395 psi per minute, the others were minor, including the most recent one at 1.7 psi per minute. Engineers have assured that the remaining helium can sustain 70 hours of flight, far exceeding the required seven hours for the return trip to Earth.
Additionally, the Starliner experienced issues with its Reaction Control System (RCS) thrusters, which are vital for precise maneuvering. Five out of 28 thrusters malfunctioned during the journey, but four were promptly restored. The team plans to test these thrusters extensively before the spacecraft's descent to gather valuable data for future missions.
Meanwhile CNN… pic.twitter.com/oZcApO7dJw
— Ralph Kaladin (@Navarre2001) June 24, 2024
Despite the technical challenges, NASA and Boeing officials have praised the spacecraft's performance. Astronauts Barry "Butch" Wilmore and Sunita Williams, who are part of the mission, have reported satisfactory operation and comfort of the Starliner, further boosting confidence in its design and functionality.
Boeing's journey with the Starliner has been fraught with delays and budget overruns. Initially scheduled for crewed flights in 2017, the program has faced numerous setbacks, including issues with parachutes and wiring, which have since been resolved. The successful uncrewed test in 2022 marked a significant milestone, setting the stage for the current manned mission .
The ongoing mission is crucial for Boeing as it aims to establish the Starliner as a reliable alternative to SpaceX's Crew Dragon, which has been NASA's sole transport for astronauts since 2020. This redundancy is vital for maintaining uninterrupted access to the ISS.
As the mission progresses, NASA and Boeing continue to monitor the situation closely, ensuring that all systems are prepared for the undocking and reentry scheduled for no earlier than June 18. This period allows the team to address any remaining concerns and align the spacecraft's return with other planned ISS activities.
