Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft encountered a setback as it approached the International Space Station for docking, facing thruster problems due to helium leaks. NASA and Boeing are investigating the issue, causing a delay in the docking process.
![Boeing Starliner Spacecraft Experiencing Helium Leaks Ahead Of Docking At Space Station 1](https://i0.wp.com/greatgameindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/image-10-2.jpg?resize=800%2C534&ssl=1)
Space Rocket News has had a busy week. Following SpaceX’s fourth successful test flight, Boeing’s Starliner ran into a thruster problem when trying to dock at the International Space Station.
![Boeing Starliner Spacecraft Experiencing Helium Leaks Ahead Of Docking At Space Station 2](https://i0.wp.com/greatgameindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/image-9.png?resize=680%2C383&ssl=1)
As per Bloomberg, the investigation into the Starliner’s thruster failure during the approach to docking at the ISS is being carried out by NASA and Boeing. Docking is being delayed here.
The Starliner craft and its crew of two astronauts are holding a position about 200 meters (656 feet) away from the station, according to a live webcast of the mission. Docking was initially targeted for 12:15 p.m. New York time. A second docking opportunity opens at 1:33 p.m. in New York. Four thrusters failed in flight, but mission controllers were able to bring two back online after troubleshooting. The thrusters are used to help maneuver Starliner through space.
-BBG
Here’s more from Spaceflight Now, a space blog:
Currently Starliner does not have permission to enter the so-called 'keep out sphere' around the space station while flight controllers continue to evaluate the troublesome manuevering thrusters. They will however close in by another 60 meters or so, under manual control, to a… pic.twitter.com/r6KMXFa42y
— Spaceflight Now (@SpaceflightNow) June 6, 2024
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