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.
