Indian-Origin Astronaut Sunita Williams TRAPPED in Space! | Boeing Starliner Disaster | Dhruv Rathee
Dhruv Rathee・14 minutes read
A Starliner spacecraft launched by Boeing faced several technical issues during its mission to the International Space Station, leading to astronauts Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams being stuck in space for 8 months before NASA decided to bring them back using SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft. Despite setbacks, Boeing continues to work on improving the Starliner's performance for future missions, with NASA monitoring closely for safety.
Insights
- Boeing's Starliner spacecraft, despite facing technical issues and delays, has been pivotal in NASA's efforts to transport astronauts to the International Space Station, showcasing the challenges and advancements in private space travel.
- The collaboration between NASA, Boeing, and SpaceX underscores the intricate web of partnerships in space exploration, with a focus on safety, reliability, and continual improvement to ensure the success of manned missions to and from the International Space Station.
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Recent questions
What private company built the Starliner spacecraft?
Boeing
Who were the astronauts on the Starliner mission?
Commander Barry E. Wilmore and Pilot Sunita Williams
What amenities are available on the International Space Station?
Oxygen-generating systems, water recycling, food reserves, and research facilities
What issues did the Starliner spacecraft face during its mission?
Helium leaks, thruster malfunctions, and overheating problems
How did NASA address the issues with the Starliner spacecraft?
Conducted tests, discovered overheating due to sunlight exposure, and ensured safety for astronauts' return
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Summary
00:00
"Starliner Mission: Challenges and Triumphs in Space"
- On 5th June 2024, a Starliner spacecraft was launched in America at 10:52 AM, carrying Commander Barry E. Wilmore and Pilot Sunita Williams from NASA to the International Space Station.
- The Starliner spacecraft was built by Boeing, a private company known for making airplanes, and this mission was named Boeing Crew Flight Test to test its capabilities.
- After 27 hours, on the next day at 1:34 PM, the spacecraft successfully docked at the International Space Station, making Boeing the world's second private company to achieve this after SpaceX.
- Despite a successful docking, the Starliner mission faced issues, leading to the astronauts being stuck in space for 8 months due to problems with the spacecraft.
- The International Space Station provides a comfortable living space with amenities like oxygen-generating systems, water recycling, food reserves, and research facilities.
- The Expedition 71 crew on the ISS includes astronauts from NASA and the Russian Space Agency, conducting research on space botany, fluid shifts, life support systems, and neuro-degenerative diseases.
- Commander Barry Wilmore and Pilot Sunita Williams are experienced astronauts conducting research on the ISS as part of Expeditions 71 and 72, focusing on various scientific experiments.
- Boeing's Starliner spacecraft faced multiple issues, including helium leaks, thruster malfunctions, and overheating problems, leading to questions about its reliability for the astronauts' return to Earth.
- NASA and Boeing conducted tests to address the thruster issues, discovering overheating due to sunlight exposure, raising concerns about the spacecraft's performance upon return.
- The engineers were uncertain about the thrusters' reliability for the Starliner's return, prompting further testing to ensure the spacecraft's safety for the astronauts' journey back to Earth.
13:37
NASA brings back astronauts on SpaceX spacecraft.
- NASA decided to bring back astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore from the space station using SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft in February 2025, reducing the number of astronauts on the Crew-9 mission to ensure their return.
- Due to the delay until February next year, the two astronauts will spend approximately 9 months in space, with NASA's Steve Stich praising the capabilities of the Starliner spacecraft despite previous test failures.
- The Boeing Starliner's first mission in December 2019, known as the Orbital Flight Test, failed to dock at the International Space Station due to thruster timing miscalibration, leading to a joint review team providing 80 recommendations for improvement.
- Boeing's second test in May 2022, the Boeing Orbital Flight Test 2, was successful in reaching the ISS, but encountered thruster glitches, highlighting ongoing issues with the spacecraft despite SpaceX's significant advancements and upcoming private spacewalk mission.
