#Helium Leak Testing System

[tekmantechnology]

Tekman India is one of the best manufacturer and supplier of premium quality range of Vacuum Pumps and Helium Leak Detector machines across India. Contact us today for best Helium Leak Testing System     

[beardedmrbean]

Boeing Leaks

After years of delays and technical problems, Boeing's Starliner finally made it to the International Space Station with NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams on board last week.

But when exactly it'll be able to undock and deliver its crew of two back to the surface remains to be seen.

Teams have discovered an astonishing five different helium leaks so far, each representing yet another thorn in the spacecraft's already cursed development. The gas is "used in spacecraft thruster systems to allow the thrusters to fire" while navigating through space, according to Boeing.

NASA is giving Boeing another four days, extending Wilmore and Williams' mission onboard the ISS from June 14 to no earlier than June 18, though it's unclear whether the leaks are to blame for the delay. Boeing is still "assessing what impacts, if any, five small leaks in the service module helium manifolds would have on the remainder of the mission," according to an update.

Boeing has been through hell and back in its attempts to get its first crewed test flight off the ground, including countless delays, scrubs, technical screwups, and an unsuccessful uncrewed test flight back in 2019.

Where that leaves Starliner's future viability for providing NASA with a reliable way to get astronauts to the space station remains to be seen. While it has managed to dock with the ISS, its mission isn't over until Wilmore and Williams are safely back on the ground.

Hole Story

Last month, officials discovered the first helium leak, which was later underplayed by officials and determined not to be severe enough to delay its journey to the ISS.

On its way up, the capsule sprang even more helium leaks. Even docking procedures didn't initially go as planned, with Boeing calling off its first attempt due to reaction-control thrusters malfunctioning.

There's a lot we still don't know about Starliner's current status. Fortunately, engineers have determined that the capsule will have plenty of helium for its return mission, roughly ten times as much as it needs to maneuver through the near vacuum of space.

"While Starliner is docked, all the manifolds are closed per normal mission operations preventing helium loss from the tanks," Boeing explained in its update.

Meanwhile, NASA is making the most out of the situation.

"The additional time in orbit will allow the crew to perform a spacewalk on Thursday, June 13, while engineers complete Starliner systems checkouts," ISS officials tweeted, referring to two different space station crew members. ________________________________

I'd make Boeing jokes if it weren't for the fact that people could die

[follow-up-news]

NASA is considering keeping the two astronauts who flew Boeing's capsule to the International Space Station there until February as a result of issues the spaceship encountered midflight. The agency said Wednesday that it is still evaluating options for how to bring NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams back to Earth safely, and that no plan has been made yet. But officials acknowledged more openly than before that they may decide to use a SpaceX capsule instead. “Our prime option is to return Butch and Suni on Starliner,” Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, said Wednesday in a news briefing. “However, we have done the requisite planning to make sure we have other options open, and so we have been working with SpaceX to ensure that they’re ready to respond.” Wilmore and Williams arrived at the space station on June 6 on the first crewed test flight of Boeing’s Starliner capsule. The initial plan called for them to stay in space for about a week. But problems with five of Starliner’s thrusters and helium leaking from the capsule’s propulsion system have stranded the astronauts there for more than two months as engineers on the ground gather data about the issues and attempt to troubleshoot. The mission was designed to be the final step before the agency could certify Boeing to conduct routine crewed flights to and from the ISS. The fate of that process is now up in the air.

[fleshchyme]

Boeing and NASA don’t believe that any of Starliner’s thrusters are damaged, say Stich and Nappi speaking at a press conference on Wednesday. If Starliner had to leave the International Space Station immediately (maybe because of a collision with a piece of satellite debris, like the near-miss that caused the crew to take shelter aboard Starliner earlier this week), the ship could get its crew home safely, according to Nappi. “If we were to have to do that today, we would just perform a nominal undocking and return,” Nappi told reporters during a press conference on Wednesday. The extensive tests keeping the spacecraft docked at ISS, they said at the press conference, are a chance for engineers to figure out exactly why five of Starliner’s 28 maneuvering thrusters (technically called the Reaction Control System, or RCS) failed while the spacecraft was docking with the International Space Station on June 6. Starliner’s service module — which houses the thrusters — is designed to burn up during re-entry to Earth’s atmosphere, so once the ship heads home, engineers will lose their chance to poke at the problem. Boeing and NASA also want to be extremely sure there’s actually nothing wrong. “We don’t believe that we have damaged thrusters, but we want to fill in the blanks and run these tests to assure ourselves of this,” Nappi says. Stich adds, “Really, what we're doing is just taking the time to make sure that we have looked under every rock and every stone, just to make sure that there's nothing that would surprise us.”

[ccitusa]

A pre-filled syringe (PFS) is an injectable device containing medication, offering benefits such as reduced contamination risk, accurate dosing, and improved safety compared to traditional vial-syringe systems. Testing PFS for integrity and functionality is critical, with the Seal Integrity Monitoring System (SIMS) 1915+ helium leak detection method providing high accuracy by using helium as a tracer gas to evaluate packages. This method supports a range of testing applications, including package design, production setup, and ongoing quality monitoring. SIMS 1915+ includes components like the Helium Leak Detector Module (HLDM), Vacuum Test Fixture Model (VTFM), and the Model VM-2 Head Space Analyzer Module (HSAM) for comprehensive analysis. Ensuring container closure integrity (CCI) is essential for maintaining sterility and safety of the PFS, which is rigorously tested to adhere to international standards.

[novumtimes]

How Boeings Starliner Mission To Send Sunita Williams Barry Butch Wilmore On Space Faced Setbacks

Boeing’s Starliner lifted off with Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Sunita “Suni” Williams on June 5 The decision to transfer the crew of Boeing’s Starliner to a SpaceX mission after the spacecraft malfunctioned is just the latest twist in a long saga that has undermined the credibility of the US aerospace giant.  Here is a recap of the setbacks and delays on Starliner’s journey to fly a crew to the International Space Station — and how it was unable to bring them back again. 2014: Nasa awards contract A decade ago NASA chose two companies, Boeing and SpaceX, to each develop a new spacecraft capable of transporting its astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS).  The US space agency asked both to be ready for 2017, as it sought to end its dependence on the Russian spacecraft it had used to ferry astronauts to the ISS since the end of the space shuttle program in 2011. Boeing was awarded a $4.2 billion contract, against SpaceX’s $2.6 billion. At the time, billionaire Elon Musk’s young company was widely seen as the underdog against Boeing’s aerospace might.  2019: Failed unmanned flight During the first unmanned flight in December 2019, the capsule failed to set itself on the right trajectory and returned to Earth prematurely after two days, without reaching the ISS.  The problem was due to a clock that was eleven hours late, preventing the capsule from firing its thrusters at the scheduled time.  NASA then realized that another software problem could have led to a catastrophic collision.  The manufacturer was given a long list of recommendations and modifications to make. 2021: False hope In August 2021, when the rocket was already on the launch pad for another attempt at flight, unexpected moisture caused a chemical reaction that blocked the opening of some of the capsule’s valves.  The capsule returned to the factory for inspection over a period of several months. The delay was in stark contrast to the progress being made by SpaceX, which had been successfully transporting astronauts to the ISS since 2020.  2022: First (unmanned) success In May 2022, Starliner finally completed its first unmanned test flight. Despite a few glitches — including a propulsion system problem detected in flight, but with no adverse consequences — the capsule lifted off, reached the ISS where it remained docked for several days, and returned safely to Earth.  2023: New worries, new delays Starliner’s nascent momentum was arrested in 2023 when new problems emerged, delaying preparations for its first manned flight. One concerned the design of the parachutes that would slow the capsule as it re-entered the atmosphere. It was modified and new tests carried out.  The other was even more surprising: adhesive tape, used over several meters to wrap electrical cables inside the capsule, proved to be flammable and had to be removed.  2024: First manned flight goes awry The big day finally arrived on June 5, 2024: the capsule lifted off with two astronauts — Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Sunita “Suni” Williams — for the first time, a final test mission to prove it was safe before beginning regular operations to the ISS. But leaks of helium, the gas used to create pressure in the propulsion system, were discovered in flight. Several thrusters then failed before the capsule docked with the ISS, although all but one were eventually reignited.  NASA feared the capsule would not be able to achieve the thrust necessary to return to Earth.  As a result, the space agency took a radical decision: to transfer the two astronauts to a SpaceX mission and return Starliner empty. Analysis of the flight will determine the path forward — and how long any new delays will last.  Boeing has already gone $1.6 billion over budget on the program. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.) Source link via The Novum Times

[usa-journal]

Astronaut Sunita Williams Faces New Challenges in Extended Space Mission

NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, along with her colleague Butch Wilmore, is confronting significant challenges after their planned return from space was delayed. Initially set to return within a week of their June 5, 2024 launch aboard Boeing's Starliner, the astronauts may now face an extended stay until February 2024.

The change arises from potential issues with the Starliner, leading NASA to consider a return on SpaceX's Crew Dragon. This development could extend their mission from the intended eight days to over eight months, raising concerns about the impact on their health and well-being.

Radiation Exposure Concerns

The International Space Station (ISS) orbits approximately 400 kilometers above Earth, exposing astronauts to higher levels of cosmic radiation than on the ground. Radiation levels in space are up to 30 times higher than those on Earth. Over a week, astronauts encounter radiation equivalent to about one year’s worth on Earth, which can increase their risk of cancer and damage their immune system.

Effects of Microgravity

Extended exposure to microgravity presents additional challenges. Without Earth’s gravity, astronauts experience a loss of bone and muscle mass at a rate of about 1.5% per month, particularly affecting the lower spine, hips, and femurs. This can impair their physical performance and increase the risk of injuries. Additionally, the lack of gravity causes bodily fluids to shift upward, leading to facial puffiness and potential sensory changes.

Psychological Impact

The prolonged mission also poses psychological challenges. Being away from family for an extended period, especially in the isolation of space, can be mentally taxing. The astronauts' spacecraft has reported issues, including a helium leak and unpredictable thruster problems, which add to their stress.

Rescue Options and Hope

Despite these concerns, there are contingency plans. NASA can utilize SpaceX's Crew Dragon for a potential rescue and might seek assistance from the Russian space agency, Roscosmos, though this would involve complex technical and geopolitical negotiations.

Historically, long-duration space missions have been successfully managed. Russian cosmonaut Valeri Polyakov spent 437 consecutive days in space and demonstrated the feasibility of long-term space travel. Williams, orbiting Earth at 27,000 km/h, will experience time slightly slower than those on the ground due to relativistic effects. By the time of her return, she will be just 0.01 seconds younger than someone born at the same time on Earth.

As Williams and Wilmore continue their mission, both their physical resilience and psychological fortitude will be put to the test.

[dertaglichedan]

Boeing Starliner astronauts remain stuck on International Space Station with no set return date, NASA announces

After nearly two months of postponement, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are still on board the ISS. But NASA and Boeing say they still plan to return the two aboard Starliner.

There is still no return date for Boeing's stranded Starliner astronauts, who have been stuck on the International Space Station (ISS) since June after their spacecraft developed multiple issues, NASA has announced. 

Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams rode to orbit in Boeing's spacecraft following years of delays, successfully blasting off on Starliner's inaugural crewed flight from Florida's Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on June 5. They were scheduled to stay a week in orbit.

But during the flight the spacecraft suffered a series of issues, including five helium leaks and five failures of its reaction control system (RCS) thrusters, forcing engineers to troubleshoot issues on the ground. This extended the two astronauts' stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS) to the current 50 days. 

Yet NASA and Boeing say that even though ground tests have been completed, there is still no clear date for a flight home.

*** What's the odds, they cut it loose and let it burn up?

Guessing those two astronauts are wishing they'd brought some more underwear with them.

[anitasblogs]

How Tekman Vacuum Pumps Improve Efficiency in Industrial Processes

In the realm of industrial manufacturing, efficiency is paramount. Tekman Vacuum Pumps have become a cornerstone for improving operational performance across various sectors. Known for their advanced engineering and reliability, these pumps offer substantial benefits that contribute to enhanced industrial processes. In this article, we will delve into how Tekman Vacuum Pumps enhance efficiency, focusing on their role in helium leak detection, helium recovery systems, and vacuum furnace applications.

Understanding Tekman Vacuum Pumps

Tekman Vacuum Pumps are designed to provide excellent dependability, efficiency, and performance. To ensure optimal performance in a variety of industrial situations, its design incorporates the most recent technical breakthroughs. These pumps enable smoother and more efficient processes, which are essential in sectors like manufacturing, aerospace, and the automobile industry, by precisely controlling vacuum conditions. Because of Tekman's dedication to quality and innovation, their vacuum pumps are seen as vital instruments for raising industrial productivity.

The Role of Helium Leak Detectors

The integrity of vacuum systems depends on the presence of helium leak detectors. Tekman's vacuum pumps are essential in maintaining a steady and uniform vacuum environment, which is needed for helium leak detectors. Due to its small size and lightweight, helium can leak through very tiny openings. The vacuum conditions required for helium leak detectors to precisely locate and measure these leaks are produced by Tekman Vacuum Pumps. The effectiveness and safety of industrial systems depend on this procedure since even tiny leaks can cause serious problems with performance and pose a risk to public safety.

Enhancing Efficiency with Helium Leak Testing Systems

Systems for evaluating leaks of helium are used to find leaks in different parts and systems, guaranteeing their dependability and functionality. Tekman Vacuum Pumps keep a superior vacuum, which adds to the efficacy of this testing equipment. Helium leak testers can function at maximum efficiency in this reliable vacuum environment, giving precise readings and lowering the possibility of leaks being unnoticed. When Tekman Vacuum Pumps are used with helium leak testing systems, enterprises can reach greater levels of operational efficiency and quality control.

Optimizing Performance with Helium Recovery Systems

Systems for recovering helium are made to collect and reuse helium, which lowers operating expenses and lessens environmental effects. Tekman Vacuum Pumps are essential to these systems' efficient functioning. Tekman pumps guarantee that helium recovery systems can run smoothly, efficiently collecting and recycling helium by upholding a steady and effective vacuum. This promotes sustainability and cost savings in industrial processes in addition to lowering the consumption of helium, a valuable but limited resource. Since the effectiveness of the vacuum pumps used in helium recovery systems is closely related to their performance, Tekman plays a crucial role in improving these systems.

The Importance of Vacuum Furnaces

Electronics and metalworking are two of the industries that use vacuum furnaces for heat treatment operations. To ensure accurate temperature control and avoid contamination during heating, they need a high-quality vacuum. For these furnaces to maintain the required vacuum levels, Tekman vacuum pumps are needed. Tekman pumps provide a consistent and dependable vacuum environment, which makes heat treatment procedures more accurate and leads to better product quality and consistency. The efficacy of the production process as a whole and the efficiency of vacuum furnaces are both influenced by the capacity to maintain exact vacuum conditions.

Improving Operational Efficiency in Manufacturing

Tekman Vacuum Pumps are engineered to optimize production processes by delivering dependable and uniform vacuum conditions. Sustaining the proper amounts of vacuum in a variety of industrial applications is essential to obtaining maximum efficiency. This is made possible by Tekman pumps, which provide excellent performance, longevity, and energy economy. Because of their sophisticated architecture, they can withstand harsh industrial settings, which improves process efficiency and lowers downtime. Industries may save costs and increase productivity by purchasing Tekman Vacuum Pumps.

Reducing Maintenance and Downtime

The dependability and simplicity of maintenance of Tekman Vacuum Pumps are two of their primary benefits. These pumps are made to run well with little upkeep, which lowers the need for frequent repairs and downtime. Because of their robustness, Tekman pumps can endure the harsh conditions of industrial settings, resulting in longer operational lifespans and fewer interruptions. Through the reduction of maintenance needs and downtime, Tekman Vacuum Pumps enhance the efficiency and economy of industrial operations.

Enhancing Quality Control and Consistency

Industrial processes require strict quality control, and Tekman Vacuum Pumps are essential to achieving reliable outcomes. Through the maintenance of exact vacuum conditions, these pumps assist companies in meeting strict quality control requirements. Utilized in vacuum furnaces or helium leak testing systems, Tekman pumps guarantee that procedures are completed under ideal circumstances, enhancing the uniformity and quality of the final output. To remain competitive and satisfy customers, one must be able to produce consistent and dependable outcomes.

Supporting Sustainable Industrial Practices

Tekman Vacuum Pumps helps to promote sustainability in industrial operations by increasing efficiency and decreasing waste. Sustainability is becoming more and more important in operations. For instance, their contribution to helium recovery systems aids in the preservation of helium, a priceless resource. Furthermore, by decreasing energy consumption and lessening the environmental effect of industrial processes, Tekman pumps promote more sustainable practices by increasing operational efficiency and decreasing downtime. The performance and design of Tekman Vacuum Pumps demonstrate their dedication to sustainability, making them a responsible option for contemporary industry.

[tekmantechnology]

Tekman India is one of the best manufacturer and supplier of premium quality range of Vacuum Pumps and Helium Leak Testing system machines across India. Contact us today

[beardedmrbean]

As Boeing's first crewed Starliner test flight nears the 80-day mark of what was initially an eight-day mission, NASA leaders will give an update on Saturday (Aug. 24) to outline their plan on how to return Starliner's astronaut crew to Earth.

The press conference, which is scheduled for Saturday at 1 p.m. EDT (1700 GMT), will include NASA Administrator Bill Nelson and other agency leadership as they discuss plans to return Boeing Starliner astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams home. You'll be able to watch the press briefing live on this page, courtesy of NASA TV.

The two astronauts launched to the International Space Station on Starliner on June 5, but saw their mission extended over two months as Boeing and NASA studied helium leaks and thruster issues on the spacecraft. 

"NASA and Boeing have gathered data, both in space and on the ground, regarding the Starliner spacecraft's propulsion and helium systems to better understand the ongoing technical challenges," NASA officials wrote in a statement Thursday (Aug. 22). "The review will include a mission status update, review of technical data and closeout actions, as well as certify flight rationale to proceed with undocking and return from the space station."

Nelson and NASA leadership will discuss that flight rationale in an internal Agency Test Flight Readiness Review at the Johnson Space Center in Houston on Saturday before the press conference to share the meeting's results. 

Last week, NASA officials said they were studying several options for how to return Boeing's Starliner and its crew to Earth. Those include the astronauts landing on Starliner as planned or returning Starliner to Earth empty while its astronauts make their own landing on a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. A final decision must be made by the end of August to allow time for planning, agency officials said. 

Boeing's Starliner spacecraft is one of two commercial vehicles NASA picked to fly astronauts to and from the International Space Station under its Commercial Crew Program. SpaceX's Crew Dragon capsule is the other. SpaceX has flown nine crewed flights for NASA since 2020 (and several private missions of its own), while Boeing's Starliner's current mission, called the Crew Flight Test, is the company's first of at least six planned crewed missions for NASA under the multibillion-dollar contract.

[ilmemcmi]

The global helium market is expected Growth owing to Rising Demand from Various End Use Industries

Helium finds wide applications in cryogenics, leak detection, welding, pressurizing, and lifting among other industrial processes. Its properties such as inert chemical nature and low boiling point enable it to perform critical functions across various end use verticals. Growing MRI scanning procedures and rising semiconductor manufacturing activities have significantly boosted the demand for helium over the years.

The global helium market is estimated to be valued at US$ 8.13 Mn in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 6.3% over the forecast period from 2024 to 2031. Key Takeaways Key players operating in the gaseous and liquid helium market are ThermoFisher Scientific Inc., OSI Systems Inc., Chemring Group PLC, Bruker Corporation, Viken Detection, FLIR Systems Inc., Astrophysics Inc., Aventura Technologies Inc., Teknicom Solutions Ltd., L3 Security and Detection Systems Inc., Nuctech Company Limited, and Smiths Detection Inc. These players are focusing on capacity expansion and new product development strategies to strengthen their market position. The Gaseous and Liquid Helium Market Demand offers lucrative growth opportunities such as increasing demand for helium from the healthcare sector. Helium finds wide usage in MRI scans owing to its non-reactive nature and ability to conduct magnetic fields. Rising prevalence of chronic diseases and growing geriatric population are driving the demand for advanced medical imaging procedures worldwide. This is expected to propel the consumption of helium in the healthcare vertical over the coming years. Key players are also focused on expanding their footprint in high growth regions. For instance, several manufacturers have increased their production capacities in Asia Pacific and Middle East & Africa. Ease of raw material availability and lower production costs are encouraging companies to set up manufacturing facilities in these regions. Additionally, growing industrialization and infrastructure development activities in developing nations will further accelerate the demand for helium in the forthcoming years. Market drivers:

The primary driver which is propelling the growth of gaseous and liquid helium market is the rising demand from healthcare sector. Helium is widely used in MRI scans which are seeing increasing adoption rates owing to rising cases of chronic diseases. Market restraints:

One of the major challenges faced by the gaseous and liquid helium market is the volatile supply and pricing of helium. As helium is a non-renewable resource, fluctuations in its production and supply have led to unpredictable price trends over the past years which hinders the market growth.

Segment Analysis The gaseous and liquid helium market is dominated by the medical sector sub segment. This is because helium gas is used as a carrier and shielding gas in MRI machines. It allows for effective transfer of magnetic fields through the human body without any safety issues. Helium is also used for lung function testing and as a pressurizing agent in life jackets. The welding sector is another fast growing sub segment as helium gas allows for inert atmosphere arc welding of certain materials. It prevents oxidation of hot metal surfaces which is crucial for achieving high quality welds in applications such as aerospace. Global Analysis Content: The North American region currently dominates the global gaseous and liquid helium market with the United States being the largest consumer. This is attributed to high demand from medical device manufacturing and materials processing industries in the region. The Asia Pacific region is projected to be the fastest growing market during the forecast period. This is due to rising medical infrastructure and increasing popularity of cryogenics applications in countries like China and India. Countries in Europe such as Germany also have a sizeable market share due to major welding and scientific research activities carried out in the bloc.

Gets More Insights on, Gaseous and Liquid Helium Market

About Author:

Priya Pandey is a dynamic and passionate editor with over three years of expertise in content editing and proofreading. Holding a bachelor's degree in biotechnology, Priya has a knack for making the content engaging. Her diverse portfolio includes editing documents across different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. Priya's meticulous attention to detail and commitment to excellence make her an invaluable asset in the world of content creation and refinement.

(LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/priya-pandey-8417a8173/)

[ccitusa]

The increasing complexity of combination products in the pharmaceutical and biologics industries demands advanced testing solutions to ensure safety and effectiveness. The SIMS 1915+ Seal Integrity Monitoring System is an ideal tool for detecting leaks in vials, syringes, and combination products, using helium as a tracer gas for precise, quantitative results. It supports various applications including package design, component evaluation, and quality monitoring, with sensitivity levels as low as 1 x 10^-10 mbar L/sec. PTI’s customizable SIMS 1915+ system adheres to FDA guidelines, offering comprehensive testing to confirm product integrity and long-term stability.

[novumtimes]

Stranded astronauts will stay on space station until February NASA says

Two NASA astronauts who flew to the International Space Station in June aboard Boeing’s faulty Starliner capsule will need to return to Earth on a SpaceX vehicle early next year, NASA said on Saturday, deeming issues with Starliner’s propulsion system too risky to carry its first crew home. The agency’s decision, tapping Boeing’s top space rival to return the astronauts, is one of NASA’s most consequential in years. Boeing had hoped the test mission would redeem the Starliner program after years of development problems and more than $1.6 billion US in budget overruns since 2016. Boeing is also struggling with quality issues on the production of commercial planes, its most important products. Veteran NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, both former military test pilots, became the first crew to ride Starliner on June 5 when they were launched to the ISS for what was expected to be an eight-day test mission. But Starliner’s propulsion system suffered a series of glitches beginning in the first 24 hours of its flight to the ISS, triggering months of cascading delays. Five of its 28 thrusters failed and it sprang several leaks of helium, which is used to pressurize the thrusters. Veteran NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore, left, and Suni Williams became the first crew to ride Starliner on June 5 when they were launched to the ISS for what was expected to be an eight-day test mission. (NASA) In a rare reshuffling of NASA’s astronaut operations, the two astronauts are now expected to return in February 2025 on a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft due to launch next month as part of a routine astronaut rotation mission. Two of the Crew Dragon’s four astronaut seats will be kept empty for Wilmore and Williams. Starliner will undock from the ISS without a crew and attempt to return to Earth as it would have with astronauts aboard. Boeing struggled for years to develop Starliner, a gumdrop-shaped capsule designed to compete with Crew Dragon as a second U.S. option for sending astronaut crews to and from Earth’s orbit. Starliner failed an uncrewed test launch to the ISS in 2019, but mostly succeeded in a 2022 do-over attempt, which also had some thruster problems. A mission with a crew was required before NASA would certify the capsule for routine flights, but now Starliner’s certification path has been upended. Starliner’s propulsion system suffered a series of glitches beginning in the first 24 hours of its flight to the ISS, triggering months of cascading delays. Five of its 28 thrusters failed and it sprang several leaks of helium, which is used to pressurize the thrusters. (NASA) Since Starliner docked on the ISS in June, Boeing has scrambled to investigate what caused its thruster mishaps and helium leaks. The company arranged tests and simulations on Earth to gather data that it has used to try to convince NASA officials that Starliner is safe to fly the crew back home. But results from that testing raised more difficult engineering questions and ultimately failed to quell NASA officials’ concerns about Starliner’s ability to make its crewed return trip — the most daunting and complex part of the test mission. NASA’s decision, and Starliner’s now-uncertain path to certification, will add to the crises faced by new Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg, who started this month with the goal to rebuild the company’s reputation after a door panel dramatically blew off a 737 MAX passenger jet in midair in January. Source link via The Novum Times