What went wrong?
Upon reaching space, Boeing Starliner experienced helium leaks and thruster problems. These thrusters are essential for maneuvering the spacecraft, and any malfunction could pose significant risks. Despite these challenges, NASA and Boeing emphasise that Wilmore and Williams are not stranded and that the spacecraft is capable of returning to Earth in an emergency. However, the decision to delay their return aims to ensure a comprehensive understanding and resolution of these technical issues.
NASA initially projected that Starliner could remain in space for up to 45 days, based on the spacecraft’s battery life. Recent assessments, however, indicate that the batteries are performing better than expected, allowing NASA to extend the mission by another 45 days. Another report by CNN has claimed that NASA is also considering to extend it even further to 90 days.
Engineers have been diligently conducting tests and analyses to diagnose the problems. This includes additional tests at NASA’s White Sands facility, where a test thruster will be fired to replicate the space conditions and better understand the malfunctions.