Sunita Williams and Boeing's Starliner Mission
1. **Sunita Williams and Boeing's Starliner Mission**
- Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are currently docked with the International Space Station (ISS) aboard Boeing's Starliner spacecraft since June 6, due to delays and technical issues.
- Both astronauts expressed confidence in Starliner's ability to bring them back to Earth and are staying on the ISS to test the spacecraft.
- NASA and Boeing are evaluating the propulsion system and helium leaks in Starliner, causing the delay in the astronauts' safe return initially scheduled for June 18.
2. **Starliner's Launch Attempts and Issues**
- Starliner's Crew Flight Test mission aims to enable commercial travel to low-Earth orbits and the ISS, serving as a joint venture between NASA and private space players.
- Several launch attempts were postponed due to issues like an oxygen valve problem, helium leaks, and ground launch sequencer malfunctions.
- Despite facing setbacks, Starliner was successfully launched on June 5, with Williams and Wilmore conducting tests during their week-long stay at the ISS.
3. **Challenges Faced by Starliner**
- Multiple small helium leaks were detected during the journey to the ISS, leading to postponement of the return journey.
- Thruster issues were identified, possibly caused by overheating during rendezvous with the ISS, with some thrusters failing during flight.
- Previous uncrewed test flights of Starliner also experienced software glitches and thruster issues, posing challenges to the spacecraft's operations.
4. **Causes of Delay and Safety Concerns**
- Apart from technical issues, the crew faced a debris collision threat in late June, prompting safety measures and temporary shelter aboard the Starliner.
- NASA confirmed that the mission's extension is indefinite, allowing time for simulations and tests while investigating the helium leaks and thruster problems.
- NASA considers Starliner capable of serving as an escape pod if necessary, with the option of returning the astronauts using SpaceX's Crew Dragon in emergencies.
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