NASA and Boeing are working to bring a couple of thrusters back online.
Boeing's Starliner capsule, atop an Atlas V rocket, lifts off from a launchpad at Space Launch Complex 41 in Cape Canaveral, Fla., on Wednesday. Boeing’s Starliner capsule, carrying a pair of NASA astronauts, was close to docking with the International Space Station on Thursday, but ground crews were working to overcome a series of mechanical issues, including the loss of four thrusters, along the way.
NASA and Boeing decided that the spacecraft could continue to proceed with docking to the space station despite the discovery of the additional helium leaks. The helium is used to provide pressure to the flow of propellants through the propulsion system. It is not combustible or toxic, and officials said it posed no risk to the astronauts.
Starliner was originally supposed to dock with the station at 12:15 p.m., but NASA said that timeline is being pushed back while it troubleshoots the issues.There are six people, four Americans and two Russians, currently living on the station. To protect them, visiting spacecraft have to remain at a safe distance before they are allowed to approach.
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