The first astronaut mission of Boeing's Starliner capsule has been extended again, with the spacecraft set to remain docked with the International Space Station (ISS) until at least July 2. This marks the third time the mission has been delayed, with the initial return date of June 18 pushed back to June 22 and then to June 26. The extra time will allow Boeing and NASA to assess several issues that have arisen with the vehicle, including small helium leaks in its propulsion system and problems with its reaction control system (RCS) thrusters.
Despite the delays, NASA still has confidence in Starliner, with Steve Stich, manager of NASA's Commercial Crew Program, stating that the spacecraft is "performing well in orbit while docked to the space station." However, the repeated extensions are a cause for concern, with many experts questioning Boeing's ability to manage complex space missions and ensure the safety of astronauts.
The issues with Starliner are not new, with the spacecraft experiencing problems during its rendezvous and docking with the ISS. Five of its 28 RCS thrusters malfunctioned, although four were eventually brought back online. Additionally, five small helium leaks were detected in the propulsion system, with one spotted before launch and the others cropping up after deployment.
The delays have raised questions about Boeing's readiness for complex space missions and its ability to ensure astronaut safety. The company has faced numerous challenges this year, including whistleblower scandals, aircraft safety issues, and now the perilous situation with Starliner. The project was seen as a chance for redemption, but it has failed to meet expectations.
In contrast, SpaceX has consistently demonstrated its reliability, launching its Falcon 9 rocket almost every week and completing over 200 successful missions. The company's Crew Dragon spacecraft has been used for multiple crewed missions to the ISS and has earned a reputation as the safest spacecraft in the world. SpaceX's reliability has made it a go-to option for companies facing significant issues, such as the Russian Soyuz spacecraft's coolant leak in December 2022.
Boeing's reluctance to seek help from SpaceX is seen as a significant humiliation, given the company's long history in aerospace and its established reputation. Founded in 2002, SpaceX has rapidly gained traction due to its innovative approaches and successful missions. Both Boeing's Starliner and SpaceX's Dragon were developed under NASA's Commercial Crew Program, with Boeing receiving a larger contract of $4.2 billion compared to SpaceX's $2.6 billion.
Despite this, Boeing's Starliner has faced numerous delays and technical issues, while SpaceX's Crew Dragon has been successfully used for multiple missions. Many experts believe that NASA should reconsider its investment in Boeing's Starliner and halt further funding for the program. Boeing has already incurred significant losses, with estimates of around $1.5 billion beyond the NASA contract.
The Starliner project has also raised concerns about NASA's decision-making process and its ability to oversee complex space missions. NASA's investment in Boeing's Starliner has been questioned, given the company's history of delays and technical issues. The space agency's reluctance to cancel the project and seek alternative options has raised eyebrows, especially considering the safety risks associated with the Starliner spacecraft.

#starshiplaunch #starship #ift4

свернуть