NASA has further delayed the return of Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft from the International Space Station due to additional technical issues. The new return date has not been determined.
Starliner docked at the ISS on June 6 to deliver its first crew, but encountered problems with some of its maneuvering thrusters. NASA wants more time to review these issues before undocking and return.
During its mission, Starliner experienced failures of 5 out of its 28 maneuvering thrusters. It also had 5 leaks of helium gas used to pressurize the thrusters and a slow-moving propellant valve.
Undocking and returning Starliner to Earth are complex phases and NASA wants to better understand the technical problems before proceeding with the return.
Boeing has faced delays and cost overruns with the Starliner program. This additional delay raises questions about when the crew currently onboard will be able to return safely.
NASA is relying on Starliner to become its second option to ferry astronauts besides SpaceX’s Crew Dragon, but the program has struggled with software bugs and design issues for years.
Source: Space
