Source – khaleejtimes.com
Unexpected Prolonged Mission
NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore are relishing their extended stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Originally scheduled for just over a week, their mission has now stretched indefinitely. “We are having a great time here on the ISS,” Williams shared during a news conference from orbit on Wednesday. Despite the unexpected extension, both NASA astronauts have expressed no complaints about their extended mission.
Boeing Starliner’s Shakedown Flight
Williams and Wilmore’s journey began on June 6 as part of a shakedown flight for Boeing’s new Starliner spacecraft. This mission is crucial for understanding the spacecraft’s performance and identifying any potential issues. The extension of their stay comes as engineers work to address problems with Starliner’s propulsion system that arose before it docked with the space station.
Starliner is one of two spacecraft commissioned for transporting NASA astronauts to and from the ISS. The other is SpaceX’s Crew Dragon, which has been operational for four years. NASA aims to have two different spacecraft available to ensure a backup in case of issues with one.
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Technical Challenges and Solutions
Starliner’s launch last month was successful, but it encountered several technical challenges. A minor helium leak occurred before launch, and four more appeared once Starliner reached orbit. Helium is used to push the propellant that powers the spacecraft’s maneuvering thrusters. As the spacecraft approached the ISS, five of its 28 small thrusters did not fire as expected. While troubleshooting, four of these thrusters were restored, albeit with reduced power.
Despite these glitches, Wilmore praised Starliner’s performance. “The spacecraft performed unbelievably well,” he said, noting that its automated navigation system guided Starliner to the docking port accurately.
Ensuring Safe Return
NASA and Boeing officials have assured that Starliner can safely bring Williams and Wilmore back to Earth. However, they are taking the opportunity to gather extensive data to prevent similar issues in future missions. Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s commercial crew program, emphasized the importance of building confidence in the spacecraft and understanding thruster performance.
Engineers are conducting experiments at the White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico, using a thruster identical to those on Starliner to replicate the firings performed en route to the ISS. These tests will help identify any damage and simulate the return trip. The tests are expected to conclude by the weekend, with analysis indicating that Starliner has sufficient helium for the journey home.
Future of Starliner Missions
Despite the delays, NASA remains optimistic about Starliner’s future missions. While the goal is for Starliner to be ready for its first operational mission in February, carrying four astronauts for a six-month stay, further delays are possible. NASA is preparing for the possibility of substituting SpaceX’s Crew Dragon for the February mission, potentially pushing the next Starliner flight to later in 2025.
Wilmore and Williams remain confident in Starliner’s capabilities. “We will be ready unless the data shows otherwise,” Wilmore said. “But right now, based on what we know, we are absolutely ready.”
