NASA’s Boeing Starliner spacecraft is currently docked at the International Space Station (ISS) despite being meant to return over a week ago, as it is facing a number of technical issues following multiple leaks during its docking, and one during takeoff. The ship’s date to return to Earth has still not been determined.
Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams launched on June 5 aboard Starliner’s first crewed mission, which was a demonstration meant to secure routine flight certifications from NASA.
Due to the spacecraft’s malfunctions, Wilmore and Williams, who were initially supposed to return from space on June 14, and then June 26, will remain at the ISS for an undetermined period until the issues are solved.
The Starliner has encountered multiple technical difficulties since docking at the ISS. According to reports from NASA and Boeing, five out of Strainer’s 28 maneuvering thrusters failed, hindering the ship’s ability to perform necessary orbital maneuvers.
The spacecraft also experienced five leaks of helium gas, one of which reportedly occurred during takeoff and is believed to have caused the others. Additionally, a slow-moving propellant valve was uncovered, revealing the source of issues from past test flights.
Some of these issues were apparent during the ship’s docking, Reuters reported. Boeing addressed this issue by rewriting the necessary software and adjusting procedures, reviving four of the thrusters to allow for successful docking at the ISS.
“We’ve learned that our helium system is not performing as designed. Albeit manageable, it’s still not working like we designed it,” said Mark Nappi, Boeing’s Starliner program manager in a written statement. “So we’ve got to figure that out.”
He said that Boeing intends to “fully eliminate” both issues, which he described as “nuisances,” before the Starliner flies again.
Meanwhile, Steve Stich, NASA’s Commercial Crew Program Manager, said the Starliner can safely carry Wilmore and Williams back to Earth as is if some issue arises that calls for an immediate departure. He said that “Starliner is performing well in orbit while docked to the space station,” and the extra time will offer “valuable insight” into system upgrades.
If the spacecraft’s certification is successful, it would become the second U.S. vehicle capable of carrying astronauts to the ISS, in addition to SpaceX’s Crew Dragon, which has been NASA’s primary ship since 2020. However, malfunctions with the Starliner could potentially prevent it from becoming certified, adding to Boeing’s list of faulty airborne vehicles.
