Boeing and NASA are pushing forward with plans to launch the Starliner capsule despite a recent leak in the spacecraft's propulsion system. During a press conference, Boeing's vice president Mark Nappi assured the public that the identified causes of the leak are manageable and do not pose a safety risk. The first crewed launch is now scheduled for June 1, with backup opportunities on June 2, June 5, and June 6. This mission, known as the Starliner Crew Flight Test, aims to deliver NASA astronauts to the International Space Station before regular missions begin.
Boeing's Starliner has faced significant delays, with its crew debut lagging behind SpaceX's Dragon capsule, which has been flying astronauts regularly since 2020. The postponement of the May 6 launch attempt due to an issue with the Atlas V rocket added to the series of setbacks. NASA and Boeing have had to carefully assess the spacecraft's safety after a small helium leak was identified following the failed launch attempt.
NASA's Associate Administrator Ken Bowersox revealed that the source of the leak is a seal in one of the flanges of the spacecraft's helium propulsion system. Despite efforts to address the leak, testing has shown that the leak rate remains unchanged. However, NASA and Boeing remain confident in the integrity of the other seals and plan to monitor the leak leading up to launch and during the mission to the International Space Station.
Steve Stich, NASA's Commercial Crew Program manager, highlighted that NASA has dealt with small helium leaks in the past during missions with the Space Shuttle and SpaceX's Dragon. The upcoming review on May 29 will provide further insights into the leak issue, with plans to proceed with rolling out the rocket and capsule to the launch pad by May 30 for the June 1 launch attempt.
While the issues with Boeing's Starliner capsule have raised concerns and led to delays, the collaborative efforts between Boeing, NASA, and ULA demonstrate a commitment to resolving the challenges and ensuring the safety of crewed missions to the International Space Station. The ongoing assessments and monitoring of the leak issue show a dedication to addressing the issues before proceeding with the crucial crewed launch.