I have a really good feeling in my heart that this spacecraft will bring us home, no problem. Sunita Williams gives a green signal on her return from the International Space Station.
American astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore held their first video conference after successfully docking their spacecraft. Initially, there were reports of massive technical challenges, with some suggesting that Williams and her partner might not return.
However, in a live video broadcast on Wednesday, Williams expressed confidence in a triumphant return. Despite several technical issues with their Boeing Starliner, Sunita and Butch indicated that they anticipate returning in the near future.
Their message from space comes days after NASA hinted at a possible extension of the Boeing Starliner‘s space mission by 45 to 90 days.
“We are absolutely confident,” Wilmore said in the news conference. “That mantra you have heard, failure is not an option. And that’s why we are staying because we are going to test it. That’s what we do.”
Williams also expressed her confidence, “I have a real good feeling in my heart that this spacecraft will bring us home, no problem.”
Boeing Starliner Faces Technical Challenges on First Mission
Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft is facing significant technical issues on its first mission, including helium leaks. The launch was delayed over four times in May and June.
Five of Starliner’s 28 maneuvering thrusters stopped working properly after reaching the station. Helium gas that is used to pressurize these thrusters started leaking. The leak was caused by a faulty valve that did not close properly.
NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Alabama is investigating why Starliner’s propulsion system seal leaks helium.
The return of astronauts Wilmore and Sunita Williams depends on the thruster test results. NASA officials are being cautious. Steve Stich, NASA’s commercial crew chief, said, “We’re taking our time with the testing, and the results from the New Mexico thruster tests are not quite what we would have hoped for.”
A successful test mission is crucial for Boeing to begin routine astronaut flights. SpaceX is the only U.S. company capable of human spaceflights, with its Crew Dragon dominating the market due to Starliner’s delays.
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