Boeing is targeting its first astronaut launch for the beginning of June after dealing with multiple issues in its space capsule. A propulsion system leak was discovered after a failed launch attempt on May 6, caused by a defective rubber seal. Engineers believe the leak can be managed in flight, and NASA’s commercial crew program manager, Steve Stich, confirmed that the capsule is safe to fly two test pilots to the International Space Station. The leak was not the only issue, as a design vulnerability was also found in the propulsion system, prompting the development of workaround methods for safety.
This upcoming launch will be the third test flight for Boeing’s Starliner, following previous demos in 2019 and 2022 that were unmanned. The first empty flight had to be repeated due to software and other flaws. If not for a bad valve on the Atlas V rocket, the Starliner would have launched earlier this month with the discovered leak managed by flight controllers, as the astronauts would have been safe. Helium is used to pressurize the fuel lines of the propulsion system, which maneuvers the capsule in flight. Boeing’s program manager, Mark Nappi, stated that the identification of the leak will help in improving the system for future flights as they continue to learn.
NASA’s Associate Administrator Jim Free emphasized the priority of safety, stating that they will not proceed with the launch until they are sure it is safe. Boeing’s Starliner capsule has faced delays in transporting astronauts to the International Space Station for NASA, while SpaceX has been launching crews since 2020. The goal is to have both companies provide taxi service to the ISS to backup each other. Engineers now know the location of the leak and have found other solutions for potential problems in the propulsion system, ensuring that the safety and success of the upcoming flight are the top priorities.
Despite the setbacks and issues faced by Boeing, the company and NASA are confident in the readiness of the Starliner capsule for its next test flight. The propulsion system leak and design vulnerability have been addressed, with a focus on safety and continuous improvement. With extensive reviews and testing, the decision has been made to target June 1 for the astronaut launch to the International Space Station. The goal is to ensure that the test flight is successful and that the necessary measures are in place to address any potential problems that may arise during the mission.
Boeing’s commitment to safety and learning from past issues is evident as they work towards a successful astronaut launch in June. The collaboration between the company and NASA has led to the identification and resolution of problems in the Starliner capsule, with a focus on improving the propulsion system and overall performance. The repeated delays and setbacks have not deterred the team from pursuing their goal of transporting astronauts to the ISS, with a strong emphasis on safety and thorough testing before proceeding with the upcoming launch. The lessons learned from previous test flights have been invaluable in preparing for this next mission, and the team is dedicated to ensuring the success of the Starliner’s third test flight.
