Boeing Starliner Successfully Docks the ISS But Helium Leaks Manifested in Test Flight

Boeing and NASA saw a successful first-creature test flight for the Starliner spacecraft after multiple delays had plagued the mission for many years. However, the crew discovered as many as three helium leaks while on their way to the ISS and other problems, but fortunately, it was deemed that the Starliner was cleared for docking the space station.

The important aspect of this mission was that the Starliner was able to safely transport the two NASA astronauts to the International Space Station.

Boeing Starliner Successfully Docks to the ISS

NASA shared that the recent test flight of the Boeing Starliner was a success, delivering the two astronauts, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, to the International Space Station. The Starliner departed from the planet last June 5 from the Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida aboard the United Launch Alliance's Atlas V.

The Starliner's recent attempt took the second schedule from NASA's launch windows for the mission this June, focusing on the spacecraft's first crewed test flight as part of the Commercial Crew program.

Starliner saw Leaks, Other Complications

However, it was not entirely smooth sailing for this test flight as the mission teams spotted three helium leaks on the Starliner. One was identified beforehand, and the two others manifested when it entered the orbit.

The Starliner's reaction control system thrusters also failed during its flight as it approached the space station. The team performed hot-fire tests, which turned on four of the five thrusters while the crew manually piloted the Starliner. After determining that its fault tolerance met the requirements, it was permitted to dock with the ISS.

Boeing Starliner and Its Problems

In 2021, Boeing, NASA, and ULA planned to proceed with the Starliner's mission to bring astronauts to space, with the spacecraft's actual crewed test flight planned. However, the team faced many problems, and three years ago, problems with its valves and leaks prevented the launch.

Several launch windows were given to Boeing for its Starliner's crewed flight last year, but before it even commenced, the company and space agency decided to postpone the launch.

This streak of misfortunes followed Boeing until this year, with the team scrubbing as many as three launches, which led to having it this mid-year.

After an early June delay to Starliner's flight, NASA gave it two other launch windows this month to finally proceed with the crewed test flight that was much-anticipated by the industry. Starliner's recent test flight, which arrived at the ISS and delivered NASA's astronauts, was three years in the making, but its success saw complications along the way.