In a shocking revelation, a new report has surfaced indicating that NASA and Boeing were aware of a helium leak on the Starliner spacecraft prior to its launch on June 5. Despite this knowledge, they deemed the leak too minor to pose a safety risk and proceeded with the launch, CBS News report stated.
However, once the Starliner was in orbit after 25 hours journey, it developed four additional helium leaks, rendering one of its thrusters unusable. This unexpected development has led to a delay in the return of astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who were originally scheduled to depart the International Space Station (ISS) on June 13 and then on June 26, but their return was cancelled each time.
Are the astronauts stuck in space?
Williams and Wilmore are not stranded in outer space but are safely inside the ISS. They have access to food, resources, communication tools, and sufficient space to carry on with their regular activities. The station is well-equipped for long-term stays and is regularly resupplied by missions from Earth. Currently, there are five other astronauts on board.
Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, developed for regular human flights to the International Space Station, is on its maiden flight, currently docked at the ISS.
NASA has refuted claims that the astronauts are stuck in space, emphasizing that the spacecraft can still be undocked and flown in emergency conditions. While the two astronauts can remain on the ISS for an extended period, the Starliner itself cannot. It is docked to the ISS module called Harmony, which has limited fuel capacity. The Starliner can only stay docked for 45 days to ensure a safe return flight. Beyond this timeframe, it may not be able to undock safely, requiring the astronauts to seek alternate transport.
SpaceX’s Crew Dragon and the Russian Soyuz spacecraft both have the capability to return the astronauts to Earth if needed. Both are designed for crew transport and can be launched as per schedule.
Delayed return and safety concerns
NASA and Boeing are now conducting extensive testing and analysis to address the leaks and thruster issues before determining a new landing date, which is now targeted earliest for July 2. NASA officials maintain that Williams and Wilmore are not stranded and can undock and return home if necessary, but the ongoing problems have raised doubts about the Starliner’s ability to complete the six-hour return trip safely.
A Boeing spokesperson told The Guardian that the return has been rescheduled to occur after two planned spacewalks on Monday (24 June) and Tuesday (2 July). The spokesperson added that there is no confirmed return date yet, but the crew is “not pressed for time” since they have ample supplies.
NASA has stated that the spacecraft needs seven hours of free-flight time for the mission and is currently equipped for a 70-hour flight after undocking. During a press event last week, NASA’s commercial crew program manager said, “We are taking our time and following our standard mission management team process. We are letting the data drive our decision making regarding the small helium system leaks and thruster performance we observed during rendezvous and docking.”
Shambhu Kumar is a science communicator, making complex scientific topics accessible to all. His articles explore breakthroughs in various scientific disciplines, from space exploration to cutting-edge research.
