Sunita Williams: A major update has emerged regarding the Boeing Starliner, which carries astronauts to the International Space Station. In fact, problems with Boeing’s Starliner capsule, which is still standing on the International Space Station, have reversed plans to bring its two astronauts back to Earth, as last-minute improvements and testing have brought an important mission to Boeing’s space department.
According to NASA internal sources, the new return date for Starliner has been set for July 6. A source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that such a return date would mean that the mission originally planned for 8 days would last for a month. At the same time, Starliner’s current problems are centered on the system needed to take the capsule away from the ISS and dive into the Earth’s atmosphere.
Return is not possible due to this reason
NASA Commercial Crew Manager Steve Stich said several of Starliner’s thrusters overheated when fired, and helium leaks used to pressurize the thrusters appeared to be related to their use. He said recent test-firings of the thrusters while Starliner was docked gave mission teams confidence in a safe return.
Testing is ongoing, however. For now, the mission management team, made up of NASA and Boeing personnel, is examining data, running simulations in Houston and considering ways to fix them, such as by updating software or changing the way hardware is used.
The 6-hour journey back home will begin
Steve Stich said that once NASA officials give the team the green signal to return, Starliner’s thrusters will be used to remove the capsule from the ISS and begin the approximately 6-hour journey back home. In such a situation, gradually reducing its orbit, it will enter the Earth’s atmosphere for landing with the help of parachutes and airbags at one of several possible locations in the southwestern United States.
