Recently, Boeing's "Starliner" spacecraft, after docking with the International Space Station, has repeatedly delayed its return plans, resulting in astronauts being stranded on the space station.
The original plan was for a return on June 14th, but due to helium leaks and propulsion issues, NASA had to postpone the return date multiple times, first from the 18th to the 22nd, and then to the 26th.
As time passed, this situation has garnered widespread attention and discussion.
Since the successful docking of the "Starliner" with the International Space Station on June 6th, according to NASA's plan, two astronauts were supposed to return on June 14th aboard the "Starliner."
However, due to various issues with the spacecraft, NASA had to adjust the return date multiple times.
Firstly, due to helium leaks, NASA had doubts about the quality of the "Starliner" and decided to postpone it until the 18th.
Subsequently, it was further delayed to the 22nd, and after the 22nd, NASA rescheduled the return date again to the 26th.
These successive delays were primarily due to propulsion problems on the "Starliner" and unresolved helium leakage issues.
With astronaut safety as the top priority, NASA had to redesign the return plan and conduct drills for various emergency scenarios.
NASA representative Steve Stich emphasized the necessity to resolve the helium leak issue to ensure the safe return of astronauts to Earth.
There is a time limit for the International Space Station to accommodate the "Starliner."
According to the UK's Daily Mail, the maximum allowable time for the Boeing spacecraft to stay at the space station is 45 days.
Exceeding this limit could potentially prevent the spacecraft from departing due to helium leaks.
Furthermore, the Boeing spacecraft was designed with only 60 days of free flight time planned, and the "Starliner" has already used more than half of that time.
Therefore, NASA's challenge is how to quickly resolve the spacecraft's issues while ensuring safety, so that astronauts can return smoothly.
The US Congress has also expressed concern, requesting Boeing to provide detailed analysis of the malfunctions and solutions.
Boeing has faced frequent safety issues in recent years, with multiple air crashes and safety incidents since 2018, impacting not only the company's reputation but also placing it under significant pressure.
More alarmingly, Boeing has been exposed for using non-conforming parts, some of which may have been installed on new aircraft, posing additional risks to flight safety.
The US Congress's investigation into Boeing continues to deepen, particularly regarding issues with its inspectors; the mysterious deaths of inspectors have sparked widespread public concern and scrutiny.
Congress questioned Boeing CEO Calhoun about potential retaliation against inspectors, to which Calhoun acknowledged company issues and admitted to harassment and threats against inspectors.
Facing the current challenges, NASA may have to seek assistance from SpaceX.
SpaceX's successful experience and technological advantages have elevated its position in manned spaceflight, while Boeing has plummeted amid continuous scandals and problems.
NASA hopes that collaboration with SpaceX will ensure astronaut safety and the smooth progress of missions.
Currently, the issues with the "Starliner" remain unresolved, and NASA and Boeing must find appropriate solutions quickly to avoid prolonged astronaut stays at the space station, which could pose risks to their health and other potential safety hazards.
For the two astronauts, adapting to the space environment and prolonged stays may have negative impacts on their health, underscoring the urgency and complexity of the issues.
In this space mission challenge, the pressures and challenges faced by NASA and Boeing are evident.
The future progression of missions and whether SpaceX will intervene remain focal points of interest for many space enthusiasts and experts.
We can only hope that with gradual issue resolution, the "Starliner" will soon return successfully, adding another brilliant chapter to the space exploration endeavor.
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