Despite these setbacks, the astronauts successfully piloted the spacecraft manually in a planned test, restoring function to four out of five malfunctioning reaction control system thrusters.
After docking with the ISS, further inspections revealed five additional helium leaks. These leaks are particularly problematic as helium is crucial for the spacecraft’s thruster systems, essential for navigation in space. According to Boeing, these leaks need thorough assessment to understand their impact on the mission’s duration and the safe return of the crew.
In response to these findings, NASA has extended Wilmore and Williams’ stay on the ISS from June 14 to no earlier than June 18. This extension will allow NASA and Boeing to determine the extent of the helium leak issues and decide on the best course of action.
Starliner Program Technical Issues
The road to this mission has been fraught with difficulties for Boeing. The Starliner program has faced numerous delays, technical issues, and an unsuccessful uncrewed test flight in 2019. The recent discovery of helium leaks adds another layer of complexity and uncertainty to the spacecraft’s future as a reliable option for NASA’s astronaut transportation needs.
