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Cape Canaveral, FL – Boeing spacecraft has successfully embarked on its first astronaut-crewed test flight. The launch got the CST-100 Starliner in space. But according to NASA serious new problems have been discovered.

Launched atop a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on June 5, 2024, the mission marks a milestone in NASA's efforts to diversify its fleet for transporting astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS).

However, the triumph of seeing the Starliner in space was soon tempered by critical issues. NASA's Johnson Space Center disclosed late Wednesday on X that three helium leaks had been detected. 

Starliner in Space

"One of the leaks was previously discussed before flight along with a management plan. The other two are new since the spacecraft arrived on orbit," the statement read.

The helium leaks are a continuation of problems that plagued an earlier launch attempt on May 25, which was aborted due to a small helium leak in the service module.

Helium is crucial for pressurizing the spacecraft's thrusters, essential for maneuvering in space. The exact severity and potential impact of the current leaks on the spacecraft’s performance remain uncertain.

In response to the leaks, NASA reported that two helium valves have been closed, and the spacecraft is considered "stable." Initially, the team had indicated that the leaks would not hinder Starliner's planned docking at the ISS at 12:15 p.m. ET on Thursday. However, the spacecraft was held for a time at the "keep out sphere," a safety boundary approximately 200 meters from the ISS.

Complicating the situation, mission control identified an issue with the reaction control system (RCS) jets, which assist in thruster maneuvers. Starliner safely docked at 10:34 AM Pacific Time. After taking some time to equalize pressure between Starliner and the station, the hatch opened at around 12:46 PM. 

Astronauts on Board

Aboard the Starliner are NASA astronauts Barry "Butch" Wilmore, 61, a former U.S. Navy captain, and Sunita "Suni" Williams, 58, also a former Navy service member. Wilmore commands the mission, while Williams serves as the pilot. During their week-long stay at the ISS, they will assess Starliner’s systems and overall performance.

“Nice to be attached to the big city in the sky,” Wilmore said to Mission Control. “It’s a great place to be.”

This mission is critical for NASA. A successful outcome could lead to the certification of Starliner for routine missions to and from the ISS.

Currently, NASA relies heavily on SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft for these operations. A diversified fleet enhances the agency's operational flexibility and ensures sustained access to the ISS.

As Starliner continues its journey, NASA and Boeing's teams remain vigilant, working diligently to address the technical issues that have arisen. The space community watches closely, hopeful for a successful mission that will pave the way for future advancements in space travel.