The Starliner spacecraft is a joint mission between NASA and Boeing, it has faced a new issue. After identifying four previous leaks, NASA and Boeing have detected the fifth helium leak.
The Starliner spacecraft was launched on June 5. Spacecraft carried two astronauts to the International Space Station. This mission is a crucial test as NASA will certify Starliner for routine flights.
NASA officials are working hard on this issue to fix leaks on Starliner. They also consider other factors such as weather conditions and the International Space Station scheduling.
Around the time of post-docking the fifth leak was detected. This fifth leak is smaller than the other ones. The fifth leak has been recorded at 1.7 psi (pounds per square inch) per minute.
At the time of Starliner’s launch on June 5, NASA was informed of one leak. On May 6, not long after a scrubbed launch attempt, this leak was discovered. Officials from NASA and Boeing believed that was an isolated incident at the time of launch. They reasoned that a seal flaw was probably at blame.
Hours after the launch, though, controllers reported finding two additional leaks. 395 psi per minute was a quite large one of them. After docking, a fourth leak was discovered. This one had a significantly lower pressure per minute— 7.5 psi.
Following docking, NASA sealed the helium manifolds in the propulsion system. The leaks were stopped by doing this. To use the spacecraft’s engines for undocking and deorbit manoeuvres, they must be opened.
According to NASA, Starliner’s engineers believe it has enough helium to last for 70 hours of flying time. Starliner can return to Earth in under seven hours.
Engineers are looking at one reaction control system (RCS) thruster that shut down during the spacecraft’s journey to the International Space Station (ISS), in addition to the helium leaks. Flight software disabled four more thrusters, which it eventually enabled again.
Additionally, a service module RCS oxidizer isolation valve on Starliner is not closed correctly. Dina Contella, NASA ISS deputy programme manager, stated, “We have the commercial crew programme, Boeing, and ISS teams all integrated, working very well together to come up with a forward plan for getting us in the best posture for that undock and reentry.”
This delay serves as a reminder of how difficult space flight is. It emphasises how crucial thoroughness and safety are to every activity. We wish the Starliner and its crew the best of luck and safety on their upcoming voyage.
