Boeing's Starliner spacecraft will remain docked at the International Space Station (ISS) beyond its planned mission duration as NASA and Boeing engineers undertake comprehensive testing of its thrusters and address helium leak issues. Originally scheduled to return after eight days, the mission extension ensures the two astronauts aboard remain safe while the team conducts crucial ground tests at New Mexico's White Sands Missile Range to replicate space conditions.
Steve Stich, NASA's commercial crew chief, emphasized the importance of this phase, stating, \"This will be the real opportunity to examine the thruster, just like we've had in space, on the ground for detailed inspection.\" The initial docking on June 6 faced a delay due to thruster malfunctions, prompting software adjustments that allowed four out of five thrusters to function properly. The ongoing mission extension is a vital step towards resolving these technical challenges and ensuring future Starliner missions are successful.
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Boeing Starliner's return from space to hinge on weeks of more testing
cgtn.com
