The Starliner Crew Flight Test (CFT) mission has recently encountered some unexpected technical issues, sparking concern and speculation among space enthusiasts and the general public alike. Launched on June 5, 2024, with NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, the mission has faced helium leaks and thruster malfunctions, leading to a delayed return. Originally scheduled for June 26, the mission has now been extended to at least July 2 to allow NASA and Boeing to thoroughly assess and address these issues. In this video, we dive deep into the technical details of these problems and discuss why a rescue mission with SpaceX's Crew Dragon might not be the straightforward solution some are hoping for.

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Helium leaks are not uncommon in spaceflight, and we explain why they occur so frequently. Helium, used to pressurize the Starliner’s propulsion system, is stored at extremely high pressures, around 3000 psi. Its tiny molecules easily escape through even the smallest imperfections in seals and materials, making containment a challenging task. We also examine other rockets that have faced similar issues, including the Ariane 5 and Atlas V, to show that such leaks are often manageable and not necessarily a cause for alarm.

One major logistical challenge is the readiness of Crew Dragon capsules. Currently, C206 "Endeavour" is docked at the ISS, serving as a crucial lifeboat for the astronauts there. C210 "Endurance" returned from the Crew7 mission in March and is planned for Crew9 in August, making it the most likely candidate for a potential rescue mission. However, preparing it for an immediate launch would disrupt planned missions and require significant adjustments, including making new space suits for Butch and Suni or adapting their Boeing suits for the Crew Dragon. ✨

Undocking a current vehicle to make room for a rescue vehicle presents another set of challenges. The ISS has limited docking ports, and to dock another vehicle, one of the current vehicles—either "Endeavour" or Starliner—would need to be undocked. For safety reasons, this undocking can only be done with astronauts aboard the capsule. Undocking Starliner would not be viable unless it is immediately replaced with a safer alternative, making "Endeavour" the likely candidate. This process is complex and timeconsuming, and realistically, it would take months to prepare a new Crew Dragon capsule for such a mission.

While NASA and Boeing work diligently to resolve the current issues, one criticism is the lack of frequent and transparent updates, which fuels wild theories and speculation online. More regular and detailed updates would help keep the public informed and reduce unnecessary panic. Remember, this analysis is based on the current information available. If ongoing tests reveal more severe issues, we should be ready to reevaluate our opinions. For now, let's form our views based on the data at hand, like proper scientists. ‍

Stay tuned for more indepth analyses and updates on the Starliner mission. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for the latest in space news. #NASA #SpaceX #starliner

CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
0:32 Overview
1:04 Helium Leaks
4:04 Thruster Issues
5:52 Reason for Delays
6:37 What if the helium leaks get worse?
7:15 What if more thrusters fail?
7:52 Crew Dragon Rescue
11:52 NASA/Boeing Criticism
12:52 WrapUp
13:09 Bloopers