Helium leak delays arrival of Boeing Starliner capsule – Telemundo Miami (51)

Boeing’s space capsule suffered more leaks and engine problems during its first test flight carrying astronauts as it approached the International Space Station on Thursday.

The Starliner capsule had already leaked a small amount of helium when it entered orbit on Wednesday. Boeing and NASA managers were confident that they could control the propulsion system despite the problem and that further leaks were unlikely. But just a few hours into the flight, two more leaks appeared.

Later, four of the capsule’s 28 engines failed. NASA test pilots Butch Wilmore And Suni Williamstwo of them were able to be restarted, but they did not provide a sufficient safety margin for docking.

Mission Control ordered the pair not to come within 650 feet (200 meters) of the space station, delaying their planned arrival by at least an hour. It was not immediately known whether the fuel problems were related to the previous leaks.

“We are still analyzing all the data,” Mission Control said over the radio. “Wait.” A few minutes later, the controllers said they were confident enough to insist on docking on the next lap.

Earlier in the day, before the boosters failed, Boeing spokesman Jim May said the leaks did not pose any safety concerns for the astronauts or the mission.

May said the capsule had enough helium reserves to compensate for the losses. The propulsion system will be turned off after the capsule docks with the space station because the engines won’t be needed at that time, he said.

Helium is used to pressurize the fuel lines of the Starliner engines, which are necessary for maneuvering. Before takeoff, engineers developed a plan to prevent additional leaks in the system. The initial leak is believed to be caused by a faulty rubber seal no larger than a shirt button.

After the space shuttles retired, NASA hired Boeing and SpaceX to transport astronauts to and from the space station. SpaceX’s taxi service opened in 2020. Boeing was expected to launch around the same time, but was grounded for several years due to safety concerns and other concerns.

Boeing plans to keep Starliner on the space station for at least eight days before sending it to land in the western United States.