Two NASA astronauts, Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, have been on a mission aboard the International Space Station for 56 days longer than expected due to issues with their spacecraft, Starliner. The problem lies with its propulsion system, which is leaking helium, and five of its thrusters malfunctioned during docking. Despite this, NASA and Boeing engineers conducted tests over the weekend to assess the situation.
The “hot fire test” involved firing 27 of the capsule’s 28 jets for short periods. Preliminary results show that all tested thrusters performed well, and the helium leak rates did not worsen. The agency also verified that the Starliner’s propulsion system is stable.
Wilmore and Williams were seated inside the Starliner during the test as part of their return preparations. The thrusters are crucial for maneuvering the spacecraft in orbit. In-oor tests were conducted using a test engine at NASA’s White Sands Test Facility to replicate conditions experienced by the Starliner.
NASA and Boeing officials will assess data from all tests and may conduct a formal review to discuss when to bring the capsule and its astronaut crew home. There are opportunities throughout August for a target landing date.
Initially, NASA set a 45-day time limit due to constraints with the Starliner’s batteries, but recharging while docked lowered the risk of extending the mission. With this mission, Boeing aimed to prove that its Starliner capsule can safely ferry astronauts to and from the International Space Station, a key step before authorizing routine flights.
Wilmore and Williams have been conducting science experiments and assisting with space station duties alongside seven other crew members. Wilmore said that human spaceflight is not easy due to multiple issues with any spacecraft, which is the nature of what they do.
Source: https://www.nbcnews.com/science/space/nasa-astronauts-wait-space-station-boeing-tests-rcna164276