NASA ignored helium leak before Starliner launch

The Starliner rocket that transported two astronauts to the International Space Station is now stuck in space, with its return to Earth postponed until at least July 2. A report has surfaced indicating that NASA was aware of a helium leak before the launch but considered it too minor to pose a safety risk. The situation deteriorated when the spacecraft developed four additional helium leaks after reaching orbit, which rendered one thruster unusable. Consequently, the return trip of astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams will not occur until all safety checks are thoroughly completed.

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CBS reported that NASA will further analyse and review the leaks and the thruster. The US space agency will conduct re-entry tests before determining the next return date. The report said the delay in return is unlikely to extend beyond July 2.

Are Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams safe?

Amidst all the speculations and rumors, NASA has emphasized that both astronauts in the spacecraft are safe and not stranded. They have clearance to undock and return home anytime if any malfunctions or issues occur.

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However, the situation is more challenging for Boeing officials on Earth. The Starliner debacle adds to the company’s troubles, as it is already under scrutiny for high-profile malfunctions of its planes over the past year.

NASA ‘taking its time’

Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, said, “We are taking our time and following our standard mission management team process.”

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He said they make decisions based on data. They will do a review at the agency level like they did before when NASA’s SpaceX Demo-2 mission returned from space after two months.