Since 2014, NASA has selected Boeing and SpaceX as joint providers for crewed and cargo missions to the International Space Station (ISS), marking a decade since their collaboration began.
Boeing's CST-100 spacecraft has been dubbed the "Starliner".
Since its first crewed flight on June 5th, heading towards the ISS, the Starliner has faced numerous challenges before and after launch.
Initially, there was a helium valve leak, which, although within acceptable limits for leakage rate and flow, still affected the launch process to some extent.
Upon preparing to dock with the ISS, the spacecraft encountered technical issues again.
Out of the 28 attitude control engines on the Starliner, 5 malfunctioned. Ground personnel quickly adjusted procedures, successfully resolving issues with 4 engines but leaving 1 still malfunctioning.
Despite these setbacks, the docking mission was ultimately successful, marking a significant milestone but also indicating that further testing will continue.
These tests include hatch opening, monitoring cabin environment pressure, and brief engine firings to verify performance and reliability, all conducted in orbit.
However, during docking, the spacecraft experienced multiple helium leaks. While U.S. media reported at least 5 leaks, whether these stemmed from a single or multiple faults remains unclear, raising concerns.
Despite repeated checks and evaluations showing leakages not severe and with sufficient helium aboard for the mission, these issues consumed considerable time, delaying the Starliner's return schedule.
Due to existing faults, additional tests are necessary, including emergency scenarios like "Safe Haven" drills aboard the ISS, ensuring astronaut safety in critical situations.
Boeing's Starliner has faced challenges in previous tests, including valve leaks, parachute malfunctions, and instrumentation issues, although not critical system failures, they have caused significant mission disruptions.
This prompts questions about potential issues in Boeing's aerospace component manufacturing, procurement, and validation processes, leading to recurrent minor issues that impede flawless functionality and pose potential risks for future Starliner operations.
When Boeing and SpaceX were selected by NASA in 2014, Boeing's high standing was reflected in the contract value, but in execution, SpaceX has surpassed Boeing in progress and achievements.
Currently, SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft has operated for nearly four years, successfully conducting numerous crewed and cargo missions, while Boeing's Starliner continues to face uncertainties, yet to achieve a smooth operational return.
Boeing has implemented many new technologies in the Starliner, including new thermal protection materials, fabrication processes, and wireless control systems, though these are not exclusive to Boeing.
In comparison, SpaceX's Musk has excelled in integrating cross-industry technologies, particularly in engineering architecture, system validation, and supply chain management, showcasing greater speed and efficiency compared to Boeing.
This situation suggests Boeing's position in cargo and crew transportation systems might face decline, although Boeing aims to avoid such outcomes, substantial improvements are needed in management, engineering design processes, and especially comprehensive system validation to change the current trajectory.
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