NASA officials revealed that they have been rigorously testing one of the faulty thrusters on Earth over the past month.
NASA has acknowledged that the thrusters on Boeing’s beleaguered Starliner space capsule have been experiencing significant overheating issues. This malfunction has contributed to the unexpected extended stay of astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS).
During a recent press conference, NASA officials revealed that they have been rigorously testing one of the faulty thrusters on Earth over the past month. These tests are being conducted at NASA’s White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico, following the discovery of thruster malfunctions that complicated the capsule’s docking with the ISS in early June.
Overheating issue
Engineers at White Sands have pinpointed that the overheating issue stems from a design flaw in the Starliner’s propulsion system. The spacecraft is equipped with four thrusters, each housed in a “doghouse” pod around the rocket’s circumference. These pods inadvertently create a thermos-like effect, trapping heat and causing the thrusters to overheat.
In addition to the insulation issue, tests have shown that the thrusters have been firing more frequently and with greater force than anticipated. Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s commercial crew program, explained, “We found that the thrusters were being activated more often and with closer intervals between pulses than we expected.”
Replicating the issues
Stich elaborated on the testing process: “At White Sands, we’re replicating the thruster pulses that occurred during the flight to understand the heating effects and ensure there are no unintended consequences.”
The primary goal of these ground tests is to assess whether the thrusters have sustained damage from the excessive stress experienced during the flight. Determining the extent of any damage is crucial for ensuring the safe return of the Starliner and its crew.
The originally planned eight-day mission has now stretched into a month-long ordeal. NASA engineers are working diligently to complete the tests and ascertain the Starliner’s readiness to bring the astronauts back to Earth safely. The outcome of these tests is eagerly awaited, as the resolution cannot come soon enough for the stranded crew
