A launch scheduled for May 25 was again delayed due to the discovery of a helium leak in the service module, which houses essential systems for spacecraft operations.
The mission finally launched on June 5, but more problems surfaced. Helium leaks and a thruster issue nearly delayed Starliner’s docking with the ISS.
After docking on June 6, NASA and Boeing reported that Starliner was experiencing five “small” helium leaks, though they assured enough helium was available for the spacecraft’s return to Earth.
As part of efforts to resolve several issues, NASA’s White Sands Test Facility conducted ground tests to evaluate the thruster’s performance under conditions similar to those experienced during the mission.
