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NASA, Boeing working to ensure safe return of Starliner astronauts
The return date for Williams and Wilmore remains unconfirmed, as Boeing and NASA said they prioritize the astronauts' safety over speed.
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FILE PHOTO: NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams pose ahead of the launch of Boeing's Starliner-1 Crew Flight Test (CFT), in Cape Canaveral, Florida, U.S., April 25, 2024. / REUTERS/Joe Skipper/File Photo
Boeing and NASA have recently conducted over 100,000 computer model simulations to ensure the safe return of Indian-American astronaut Sunita Williams and her crewmate, Barry E. Wilmore, from the International Space Station (ISS) aboard the Boeing Starliner.
These simulations are essential for identifying potential obstacles that the Starliner spacecraft may encounter during its undocking from the International Space Station (ISS), re-entry into Earth's atmosphere, and landing.
Boeing's rigorous simulation process included seven ground tests of a Reaction Control System (RCS) thruster from the Starliner-1 Service Module and a free-flight hot fire test of five aft-facing thrusters prior to docking. The tests confirmed that "27 of 28 RCS thrusters are healthy and back to full operational capability," Boeing said in a statement on Aug.2.
We remain confident in #Starliner and its ability to safely return to Earth with crew based on an abundance of testing conducted by our teams and @NASA in space and on the ground.
— Boeing Space (@BoeingSpace) August 3, 2024
Find an extensive list of testing at: https://t.co/EeyAFier63 pic.twitter.com/dEsObZutYr
The company's analysis also demonstrated that the spacecraft's propulsion system maintains stable helium levels and redundancy, which provides assurance regarding the Starliner's ability to safely return the crew. The return date for Williams and Wilmore remains unconfirmed, as Boeing and NASA said they prioritize the astronauts' safety over speed.
The Starliner mission, initially scheduled for eight days, has been extended due to a malfunction in the capsule's thrusters and a helium leak. The Crew Flight Test (Boe-CFT), which docked at the ISS on June 5, faced challenges when five of the 28 thrusters failed. This unforeseen issue extended the mission duration, raising concerns about the astronauts' health, including potential bone density loss due to prolonged time in space.
In a statement, Boeing expressed confidence in the Starliner's readiness for the return journey, citing "an abundance of testing conducted by our teams and NASA in space and on the ground." The company's spokesperson emphasized the importance of this mission, noting that it marks the beginning of a new era of space travel with a reusable capsule, potentially lowering the overall costs of space exploration.
"We continue to support NASA's requests for additional spacecraft testing, data analysis, and reviews to affirm the Starliner's safe undocking and landing capabilities," Boeing stated. The testing regime has included multiple hardware and software integration tests, a comprehensive review of the Orbital Maneuvering and Attitude Control (OMAC) engine performance, and detailed inspections of thrusters.
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