(Washington) NASA said Friday that the two astronauts who arrived at the International Space Station three weeks ago aboard Boeing's new Starliner spacecraft are “not stuck” there, even if the capsule's return date has not stopped being pushed back and now depends on the analysis of new tests. .
These tests relate in particular to problems encountered during flight on the capsule's thrusters as it approaches the International Space Station (ISS) for docking there.
Ground tests will be conducted on similar thrusters to recreate the space environment and better understand the cause of the problem. These tests are expected to last about two weeks, and no return date has been set until then.
“Butch and Sonny are not stuck in space,” Steve Stich, a senior NASA official, insisted during an unusually tense press conference. The return of the vehicle is not “rushed,” he added.
Photo by Miguel Rodriguez Carrillo, AFP
Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunny Williams
Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sonny Williams were initially scheduled to spend just over a week in the flight laboratory. This prompted the American press to wonder whether the astronauts currently found themselves without a way to return.
“They’re not stuck on the ISS, the crew is not in danger,” Boeing senior director Mark Nabi said. “It’s very painful to read the things that are being circulated. We’ve had a very good test flight so far, and it’s being viewed somewhat negatively.”
“We can come in Starliner Insisted at any time. But “we don't understand[the issues encountered, editor's note]well enough to fix them permanently, so the only way to do that is to take time” and “collect more data.”
In addition to the thrusters, another anomaly is affecting the Starliner, a new vehicle ordered by NASA 10 years ago to serve as a space taxi to ferry astronauts to the International Space Station.
NASA and Boeing are still investigating the cause of the helium leak detected during the flight. Helium is non-flammable but is used in the propulsion system. However, the spacecraft still has enough helium to return, according to the space agency.
The mission, which Boeing executed years behind schedule, is the first for Starliner with a crew, and is necessary for the capsule to receive NASA certification and then be able to begin regular operations.
Meanwhile, NASA astronauts have already joined the International Space Station thanks to SpaceX ships for four years.
“Hardcore beer fanatic. Falls down a lot. Professional coffee fan. Music ninja.”
