WASHINGTON: The first astronauts to fly Boeing’s troubled Starliner are definitely not “stranded” at the International Space Station, NASA insisted Friday despite having no clear timeframe for bringing them home.
In an unusually defensive press call, officials attempted to put a positive spin on where things currently stood after weeks of negative headlines due to the spaceship’s delayed return.Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams blasted off on June 5 following years of delays and safety scares affecting Starliner, as well as two aborted launch attempts that came as astronauts were strapped in and ready to go.
SPONSORED CONTENT Hajiji says positive economic achievements prove Sabah govt’s commitment Kota Kinabalu: Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, emphasised that the positive economic achievements over the past three years underscore the Sabah government’s steadfast commitment to both the administration and development of the state. Read more “Butch and Suni are not stranded in space,“ declared Steve Stich, NASA’s commercial crew program manager.
It was known there was one helium leak affecting Starliner before the launch, but more leaks emerged during the flight. While non-combustible, helium provides pressure to the propulsion system.Separately, some of Starliner’s thrusters that provide fine maneuvering initially failed to kick in, delaying docking. Engineers are not sure why Starliner’s computer “deselected” these thrusters, though they were able to restart all but one of them.
Teething issues with new spaceships aren’t uncommon, with the Space Shuttle program facing its share of problems in its early days.
News Newspaper Headlines Malaysia Borneo Local National Business Sport Mobile
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
NASA insists Boeing Starliner crew ‘not stranded’ on ISSWASHINGTON: The first astronauts to fly Boeing’s troubled Starliner are definitely not “stranded” at the International Space Station, NASA insisted Fr...
Read more »
NASA, Boeing to launch Starliner’s first crewed mission to space stationLOS ANGELES: The US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Boeing are targeting Saturday, June 1, for the launch of the first crewed...
Read more »
Boeing’s Starliner return to Earth postponed, NASA says no new date setWASHINGTON: Boeing Starliner’s return to Earth from the International Space Station with its first crew of astronauts has been postponed, NASA said on...
Read more »
Boeing Starliner capsule’s first crewed test flight postponed minutes before launchCAPE CANAVERAL: A second attempt at launching Boeing’s new Starliner space capsule on its inaugural test flight with NASA astronauts on board was auto...
Read more »
Boeing’s Starliner capsule set for launch of first crewed space flightCAPE CANAVERAL, June 1 — Boeing’s new Starliner astronaut capsule is poised for launch today in a much-delayed first crewed test flight, a milestone in the beleaguered...
Read more »
Boeing woes will not erode workers' readiness to strike, union saysSEATTLE, June 28 ― Boeing's financial and production challenges following a January mid-air panel blowout will not change its workers' readiness to strike to make...
Read more »