What To Know
- Thus, for over a month, the American space agency (NASA) and Boeing have been working to carry out ground tests on thrusters initiated under similar conditions in order to ensure that the observed malfunction is not a threat to the safety of the capsule’s occupants.
- A return planned between the end of July and the beginning of August Still in the columns of The GuardianSteve Stich, the manager of the Commercial crew program NASA’s official explains that the future return could take place by the end of July or the beginning of August at the latest.
- Not to mention the fact that Boeing, already criticized on the space scene with its postponements for many years for the flight of its capsule, would certainly see this call for help to Elon Musk’s space firm as “a humiliation”, according to comments reported by AFP, in addition to putting itself in a bad position to prove its reliability to NASA.
On June 5, 2024, the aerospace company Boeing finally managed to launch the long-awaited Starliner mission to test its CST-100 Starliner capsule in real conditions. The crew of two astronauts was supposed to stay eight days on the ISS before returning on June 13, 2024. However, a problem detected on the capsule during docking on June 5, 2024, still prevents Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore from returning to Earth, almost a month after the planned return.
Are there any damaged thrusters on CST-100 Starliner?
The problem has been known since June 5, when a malfunction on five small thrusters (out of 28) was revealed during the docking of the capsule with the International Space Station. Thus, for over a month, the American space agency (NASA) and Boeing have been working to carry out ground tests on thrusters initiated under similar conditions in order to ensure that the observed malfunction is not a threat to the safety of the capsule’s occupants. This is in any case what Mark Nappi, vice president of Boeing’s commercial space program, assures in comments reported by AFP and BFM: “We don’t think we have damaged thrusters, but these tests are to make sure.“These thrusters on the Starliner capsule are used in particular to properly manage the orientation of the vessel.
“ We trust them ”
For their part, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams have complete confidence in Boeing and their capsule. This is evidenced by these comments reported by The Guardian : “We are very close to those who make these decisions and we trust them. […] I have a good feeling that this spaceship [ndr, CST-100 Starliner] will be able to take us home without any problem.” Butch Wilmore told the British daily on July 10, 2024. Moreover, according to information gathered by the English daily, the two NASA astronauts, among the most experienced in the agency, seem to really appreciate this extra time in space.
A return planned between the end of July and the beginning of August
Still in the columns of The GuardianSteve Stich, the manager of the Commercial crew program NASA’s official explains that the future return could take place by the end of July or the beginning of August at the latest. This is in any case what the data from the ground tests indicate to the American space agency, specifies the senior NASA official. But what also motivates a return in these waters is above all that in mid-August, a rotation of the ISS crew will take place. Thus, for Steve Stich, this would constitute a “End of mission for Starliner“in order to avoid any overcrowding problems in the station.”Obviously, a few days before launch, we’ll need to get Butch and Suni home on Starliner.” he said to The Guardian.
SpaceX to the rescue of the Starliner mission?
Reliable for many years, SpaceX and its Crew Dragon capsule are now essential on the space transportation scene, particularly for taking astronauts to NASA and bringing them back. According to information from BFM, calling on SpaceX to come to Boeing’s aid and bring back Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams is a non-issue in Steve Stich’s eyes. Indeed, according to him, “Today, the first option is to bring Butch and Suni back with Starliner. At this point, we see no reason why this should not be the case.” can be read in comments reported by the French channel. Not to mention the fact that Boeing, already criticized on the space scene with its postponements for many years for the flight of its capsule, would certainly see this call for help to Elon Musk’s space firm as “a humiliation”, according to comments reported by AFP, in addition to putting itself in a bad position to prove its reliability to NASA. Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner capsule is supposed to compete with SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule to transport astronauts and goods to and from the ISS. Source: BFM / The Guardian / AFP
