Time: 2024-07-11
On June 5 , a rocket launched from Cape Canaveral , Fla. carrying astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore to the International Space Station ( ISS ) . The launch was supposed to be Boeing 's shining moment , but it did n't go as expected due to helium leaks and thruster shutdowns . The astronauts are still on board the ISS while Boeing tests its thrusters in White Sands , N.M. , and no return date has been set yet.
One of the main concerns is the safety of the spacecraft , especially with an operational mission scheduled for 2025 with Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk . The launch of the test mission raised questions about why it proceeded with known issues . Boeing has faced numerous safety mishaps with its commercial aircraft , making this test mission even more critical for the company.
When NASA awarded contracts to Boeing and SpaceX to transport astronauts to the ISS , Boeing received .2 billion US , while SpaceX got .6 billion US . Many believed Boeing 's experience would lead them to the ISS first , but SpaceX has been more successful . Dan Dumbacher , a former NASA official , notes the differences between the two companies in terms of experience and approach to spaceflight.
Boeing has been more risk - averse since the Challenger and Columbia disasters , while SpaceX takes a more iterative approach to spacecraft development . SpaceX 's success in delivering cargo to the ISS since 2012 gave them an advantage over Boeing . The fumbled test mission with Starliner highlights the need for Boeing to improve its spaceflight capabilities.
Rumours and speculation have circulated that the astronauts on the ISS are stranded , which NASA 's Steve Stich refuted . Despite technical issues with space shuttle flights in the past , there is a misconception that spacecraft missions should proceed without any problems . The optics of Boeing 's test mission have been challenging for the company , and it is clear that improvements need to be made.
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