For yet another time, the much-anticipated Starliner crewed launch has been postponed indefinitely due to a helium leak on board the Boeing spacecraft. The delay was announced just a few weeks after the previously scheduled launch attempt was also called off because of technical complications, adding to the string of setbacks that this project has suffered since its conception.
The Starliner spacecraft, a product of an American multinational corporation – Boeing, was scheduled for a crewed launch, in an operation backed by NASA, to send astronauts into space from American soil. However, it soon became evident that the spacecraft was experiencing a significant complication – a helium leak. This discovery came about during an earlier test for fueling the spacecraft, putting safety of everyone involved at risk.
Helium is of critical importance in rocket launch devices because it serves as a pressurizing agent in the fuel tanks. It keeps the fuel in liquid form and helps to push it to the spacecraft’s engines. Thus, a leak in the helium system is a major reason for concern, as it could pose significant danger to the vehicle and potential crew members, hence, averting the launch was a necessary decision.
Following the leak discovery, specialized Boeing engineers were immediately called into action to investigate and remediate the problem. Meanwhile, the cause of the leak is still under investigation. Early assumptions indicate that it could be due to a valve issue. This speculation brings back haunting memories of Boeing’s 2019 failed non-crewed test flight, where a similar helium leak was encountered due to a valve malfunction.
Boeing’s Starliner project has been plagued by several problems since its initiation, with delays and failed tests being the unfortunate norm. Prior to this, Boeing had to postpone the crewed launch attempt due to problems with 13 valves in its propulsion system that got stuck in the closed position. Furthermore, an anomaly detected during the capsule’s debut flight in December 2019 led to the spacecraft failing to meet up with the International Space Station as planned.
These setbacks inevitably draw comparisons with SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft, which has successfully completed three crewed missions to the International Space Station since Starliner’s first debut. It is worth noting that both Starliner and Crew Dragon are part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, a joint venture that intends to revitalize human space flight from American soil.
While the helium leak is another setback, it is of paramount importance to ensure the complete safety and operational functionality of the craft before the launch. It can be frustrating to witness these