After a successful launch on Wednesday, Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft has encountered new issues in the form of additional helium leaks while en route to the International Space Station (ISS).
The spacecraft, carrying NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, detected two new helium leaks in addition to one known prior to the launch.
These leaks were identified in the spacecraft's service module, necessitating the closure of two helium valves to maintain stability.
Despite these issues, NASA and Boeing have confirmed that the spacecraft remains safe, and the mission to dock with the ISS is still on track. The Starliner is expected to dock with the ISS on Thursday, where the astronauts will conduct various tests to ensure the spacecraft's readiness for future operational missions.
Boeing's Starliner Mission: A Successful Launch Marked by New Challenges
Boeing's Starliner mission, which has been in development for over a decade, successfully launched from Cape Canaveral atop an Atlas V rocket. This launch is a significant milestone for NASA's Commercial Crew Program, which aims to have multiple spacecraft options for ferrying astronauts to the ISS.
The mission, known as the Crew Flight Test, marks the first time Starliner has carried a crew to space and is a crucial step toward operational status. This achievement comes after numerous delays and technical challenges, highlighting the perseverance and dedication of the teams involved.
The launch, occurring at 10:52 a.m. ET, saw the Starliner capsule lift off and begin its nearly 26-hour journey to the ISS. The astronauts aboard are set to perform a series of tests to validate the spacecraft’s systems and ensure it is prepared for regular crewed missions.
Addressing the Helium Leaks
Prior to the launch, engineers had identified a small helium leak deemed acceptable for the mission. However, after reaching orbit, two additional helium leaks were detected.
These leaks were found in the spacecraft's service module, which houses most of Starliner's propulsion system, including 20 larger orbital maneuvering engines and 28 less powerful reaction control system thrusters.
NASA and Boeing engineers worked swiftly to shut down the affected valves, ensuring the spacecraft's stability. Despite these new challenges, the spacecraft's current configuration is considered safe for continued flight. Boeing engineer Brandon Burroughs emphasized that the team had planned for such contingencies and that the spacecraft could handle up to four additional helium leaks if necessary.
Overcoming Previous Delays
The journey to this successful launch has been fraught with delays and technical issues. Initially scheduled to fly astronauts in 2017, the Starliner program has faced numerous setbacks. In 2019, a major fuel leak during ground testing and an aborted unpiloted test flight to the ISS caused significant delays.
The following years saw further complications, including valve corrosion and the need to redesign a component of the capsule's parachute system. Additionally, the discovery of flammable tape around wire bundles inside the spacecraft in 2022 led to another postponement.
These delays have cost Boeing nearly $1.5 billion, with the company bearing the financial burden due to the fixed-price contract with NASA. Despite these challenges, the recent launch represents a major achievement for the Starliner program.
Expanding U.S. Space Capabilities with Starliner
The Starliner mission represents a significant advancement in NASA's efforts to collaborate with private industry partners to expand the United States' space capabilities.
This mission is only the sixth inaugural journey of a crewed spacecraft in U.S. history, following the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, Space Shuttle, and SpaceX's Crew Dragon programs. The successful completion of this mission will pave the way for regular crewed missions using the Starliner spacecraft, enhancing NASA's ability to maintain a continuous human presence on the ISS.
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson highlighted the historical importance of this mission, noting that it adds to the legacy of American space exploration and demonstrates the agency’s commitment to advancing human spaceflight capabilities.