Return of Boeing Starliner astronauts delayed over fears they will become stranded in space
The difficulties of the Boeing Starliner spacecraft and the fact that it may have an unexpected partner in Elon Musk’s SpaceX.
Currently, the Boeing Starliner spacecraft is docked at the International Space Station with two astronauts on board, but unfortunately, the story is not a happy one.
After countless problems with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft, the astronauts’ return to Earth has been delayed again. from the previous date, June 22, to the current date, June 26.and we’ll see.
As previously reported, this ship is experiencing countless problems, especially helium leaks, as well as problems with several engines not working at all.
This forces NASA to play against time to solve these problems, to get two astronauts back to Earth, or to look for alternative plans.
“We need a little more time to analyze what we’ve seen and make sure we have all the plans in place to bring the team home,” he said. Steve StitchNASA program director.
Although two astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams They can spend a lot of time on the International Space Station because there is food supplies for everyone, the truth is that the ship can only be docked for 45 days due to fuel limitations in the orbiting laboratory.
But of course, NASA already has in mind what will happen if more than 45 days pass without the problems being resolved, and it is likely that they will have to turn to Boeing’s competitor SpaceX to rescue them and return them to Earth. .
“It is very unfortunate that the Boeing Starliner aircraft continues to experience problems after such a long flight delay. For decades, Boeing has been one of the most respected aerospace and defense companies. This is a real national tragedy,” he says. Mike GrantmanProfessor of Astronautics at the University of Southern California.
“Many similar problems (helium leaks) with apparently similar components reported in the press indicate a systemic problem with the design, workmanship, testing or development of the system, or a combination thereof,” he explained.
Problems discovered a long time ago
These problems are not a surprise, since people at Boeing and NASA itself have already noticed these glitches with Starliner. even before it took off earlier this month.
In reality, the mission faced years of delays and setbacks.
The mission was originally scheduled to launch on May 6, but they discovered a helium leak from the valve and canceled the mission.
The launch was scheduled for June 1, but the capsule was stopped minutes before takeoff using computer cancellation systems. Finally, on June 5th, I flew out of Florida.
In addition to the aforementioned helium leaks, Five engines failed during the flightalthough four were later reinstated.
NASA is optimistic and believes that there is no reason to believe that they will not be able to complete the mission.
It is now expected that a successful return could take place on June 26, and for Boeing, a very important contract with NASA is at stake, which could be terminated.
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