Problems with the capsule's propulsion system, used to maneuver the spacecraft, prompted NASA and Boeing to delay the flight home several times while they analyzed the trouble.
Boeing crew flight test astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, center, pose with Expedition 71 flight engineers Mike Barratt, left, and Tracy Dyson, both NASA astronauts, in their spacesuits aboard the International Space Station's Quest airlock on June 24, 2024.
The test flight was expected to last a week or so, enough time for Wilmore and Williams to check out the capsule while docked at the station. But problems with the capsule's propulsion system, used to maneuver the spacecraft, prompted NASA and Boeing to delay the flight home several times while they analyzed the trouble.
Starliner already had one small helium leak when it rocketed into orbit and several more leaks sprung up during the flight. Helium is used to pressurize fuel for the thrusters. Boeing said this week that the two problems aren’t a concern for the return trip.In delaying the astronauts' return, NASA and Boeing said they needed more time to collect information about the thruster trouble and leaks while the capsule was docked.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
NASA, Boeing discover new leaks, failing thrusters on Starliner during ISS dockingNASA and Boeing found new problems on Starliner during docking at the International Space Station.
Read more »
Boeing capsule safely delivers NASA astronauts to space stationBoeing plans to keep Starliner at the space station for at least eight days before guiding it to a landing in the western U.S.
Read more »
NASA again delays 1st astronaut-crewed flight into space on Boeing's StarlinerThe next launch opportunity is on Wednesday, the agency said.
Read more »
Live updates: Boeing will try again to launch two NASA astronauts to spaceThis is additional taxonomy that helps us with analytics
Read more »
Boeing launches new capsule on first test flight with NASA astronauts toward space stationBoeing has launched astronauts for the first time after years of delays. Two NASA test pilots blasted off aboard Boeing's Starliner capsule from Cape Canaveral, Florida.
Read more »
Boeing launches new capsule on first test flight with NASA astronauts toward space stationBoeing has launched astronauts for the first time after years of delays. Two NASA test pilots blasted off aboard Boeing's Starliner capsule from Cape Canaveral, Florida.
Read more »