The Starliner capsule has arrived at the International Space Station. After approximately 28 hours of flight and some problems with the propulsion system, the CST-100 Starliner transported two astronauts to the ISS for the first time. In fact, astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore were on board the capsule, who will enter the ISS about two hours after docking, and will remain on board for about 10 days.
In addition to them, the Starliner carried 360 kg of supplies. Among these is a new pump for the urine processing system, given that one of those on the ISS failed. This component was added to the Starliner just last week, replacing two bags of clothes and supplies.
The docking occurred on the second attempt, after at least four thrusters in the Starliner’s RCS system failed. Initially the Starliner was supposed to arrive at the ISS at 18:15 Italian time, but NASA blocked the capsule outside the station’s safety zone, i.e. about 250 meters away.
The second attempt was successful at 7.30pm, with a docking confirmed at 7.34pm Italian time. This was allowed after several thruster firings demonstrated that at least four of them were working. It therefore appears that at least one of the RCS engines is still non-functional.
It is not known at present whether this problem is connected to the helium leak that affected an engine before departure in May. During the flight, however, it was detected that at least three engines were involved in the loss of Helium.
The importance of Starliner
Today’s mission, called CFT (Crew Flight Test) was however a test flight, necessary to demonstrate that the capsule is capable of flying to the ISS with a crew on board. This is the second time a Starliner has arrived at the ISS, following the May 2022 flight, OFT-2. On that occasion there were no astronauts on board, and the capsule performed an automated flight.
In this in-depth video we told the complete story of Starliner:
With the arrival on board the ISS, the Starliner certification mission is not over yet. Already now, however, it can be said that the United States has two different means at its disposal, simultaneously, to reach orbit with passengers. It had never happened.
© 2024 Astrospace.it All rights reserved. This article may be reproduced or distributed in full only with the written authorization of Astrospace.it or partially with the obligation to cite the source.
