Boeing's Starliner Spacecraft: Astronauts Williams and Wilmore's Extended Stay at ISS Due to Thruster Failures and Helium Leaks

Cape Canaveral, Florida, Florida United States of America
Astronauts Suni Williams and Barry Wilmore have been in space for about 50 days, their stay extended indefinitely
Boeing's Starliner spacecraft encountered thruster failures and helium leaks during approach to ISS
Williams worked on manufacturing optical fibers and growing plants in microgravity, Wilmore serviced freezers and refilled coolant loops
Boeing's Starliner Spacecraft: Astronauts Williams and Wilmore's Extended Stay at ISS Due to Thruster Failures and Helium Leaks

Boeing's Starliner spacecraft, which launched to the International Space Station (ISS) on June 5 with NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Barry Wilmore aboard, has experienced several issues that have delayed their return. The capsule encountered thruster failures during its approach to the ISS and also experienced helium leaks in its propulsion system.

Engineers from NASA and Boeing are currently running tests on the ground to determine the root cause of these issues and ensure the safety of flying Williams and Wilmore home. The astronauts, who have been in space for about 50 days, have had their stay extended indefinitely.

During their time on the ISS, Williams has worked on studies related to manufacturing optical fibers in microgravity and using fluid physics to grow plants in space. Wilmore has serviced freezers and refilled coolant loops.

The astronauts had a scare when a satellite broke apart near the space station, requiring them to prepare for evacuation but ultimately passing without incident.

NASA Commercial Crew Program Manager Steve Stich said that engineers are making progress in their investigation and hope to have more information soon. "We're making great progress, but we're just not quite ready to do that," he said of a potential return mission.

Boeing Vice President and Program Manager Mark Nappi expressed regret about the extended stay, saying 'we kept saying eight-day minimum mission,' but acknowledged that they knew it would likely go longer than that. "We all knew it was going to go longer than that,' he said.

NASA and Boeing are considering a backup plan using SpaceX's Dragon capsule to bring the astronauts home if necessary.


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Confidence

85%

Doubts
  • Are there any potential safety concerns for Williams and Wilmore during their extended stay?
  • Is the root cause of the thruster failures and helium leaks determined?

Sources

97%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

The life of two Boeing Starliner astronauts stuck indefinitely in space

The Fixing Site: A Summary of the Article. Christian Davenport Friday, 26 July 2024 11:10
  • Unique Points
    • NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore have had their stay on the International Space Station extended indefinitely due to issues with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft.
    • Five of Starliner’s thrusters failed during approach to the space station, and the spacecraft also experienced helium leaks in its propulsion system.
    • Engineers from NASA and Boeing are running tests to determine what went wrong and ensure the safety of flying Wilmore and Williams home.
    • Williams has worked on studies related to manufacturing optical fibers in microgravity and using fluid physics to grow plants in space. Wilmore has serviced freezers and refilled coolant loops.
    • The astronauts had a scare when a satellite broke apart near the space station, requiring them to prepare for evacuation but ultimately passing without incident.
  • Accuracy
    • The astronauts have been working on science experiments, upkeep on the space station, and completing chores during their extended stay.
    • NASA and Boeing are still troubleshooting issues with the Starliner spacecraft after recent tests aimed to replicate the problems.
    • Helium leaks on Starliner may be due to seals degraded by exposure to propellant vapor; Boeing is considering changing the seal material for future missions.
    • NASA has not yet announced a return date for the astronauts as they continue to work on fixing the issues with the Starliner.
    • Battery waiver approved, allowing Starliner to remain in space for 90 days.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (95%)
    The author uses a rhetorical question and inflammatory language to describe the situation of the astronauts being stuck on the International Space Station as a 'dream vacation' with 'bah-humbug bureaucrats' preventing them from having one. This is an appeal to emotion and an informal fallacy.
    • Getting stuck on the International Space Station for an extended stay could be the ultimate dream vacation. Great views of Earth and solar system right out the window. Flying Superman-style in zero gravity while floating M&Ms into each others' mouths. There's even decent internet and an expansive movie selection.
    • But they’re not allowing them a vacation.
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

98%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Boeing, NASA may have found ‘root cause’ of Starliner spacecraft’s issues, but astronauts are still in limbo

CNN News Site: In-Depth Reporting and Analysis with Some Financial Conflicts and Sensational Language Jackie Wattles Thursday, 25 July 2024 17:18
  • Unique Points
    • Engineers recreated how thrusters in space deteriorated during flight through ground tests, potentially identifying the root cause: Heat building up inside the thrusters may be causing Teflon seals to bulge, restricting propellant flow.
    • Starliner can stay in space for a maximum of 90 days; as of Thursday, the astronauts have been in space for about 50 days.
    • Helium leaks on Starliner may be due to seals degraded by exposure to propellant vapor; Boeing is considering changing the seal material for future missions.
  • Accuracy
    • NASA and Boeing are still troubleshooting issues with the Starliner spacecraft after recent tests aimed to replicate the problems.
    • NASA and Boeing still haven’t set a return date for the astronauts or given a definitive answer on whether Starliner is ready to fly them home, largely due to ongoing efforts to understand helium leaks and their potential worsening.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

80%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Faulty Boeing Starliner leaves astronauts trapped in space for 51 days - and there's no end to their...

Daily Mail Joe Hutchison Friday, 26 July 2024 14:52
  • Unique Points
    • A pair of astronauts, Sunita Williams and Barry ‘Butch’ Wilmore, remain trapped in space with no end to their nearly two-month stay on the International Space Station due to issues with their faulty Boeing Starliner spaceship.
    • Thruster failures and helium links on Boeing’s new Starliner capsule have prompted NASA and Boeing to keep Williams and Wilmore in orbit for an extended period over fears a trip back on the spacecraft could end in disaster.
    • During their time on the ISS, Williams and Wilmore have been conducting science experiments and maintaining the station, including cleaning its toilets.
  • Accuracy
    • ,
  • Deception (30%)
    The article contains selective reporting as it only reports details that support the author's position of the astronauts being trapped in space for an extended period. The author does not mention that backup options are being considered or that the astronauts have enough food and supplies for at least four months. The article also uses emotional manipulation by describing the situation as an 'ordeal' and 'near two month long'. Additionally, there is a lack of disclosure of sources in the article.
    • A pair of Astronauts remain trapped in space with no end in sight to their near two month long ordeal while engineers try to fix their faulty Boeing spaceship.
    • The Starliner was probably safe enough to fly the two home, but that decision would be made during a review.
  • Fallacies (85%)
    The author makes an appeal to authority by mentioning the opinions of NASA officials and veteran astronaut Scott Kelly. He also uses inflammatory rhetoric by describing the situation as an 'ordeal' for the astronauts and a 'fiasco' for Boeing, implying that there is something inherently wrong with the situation.
    • NASA confirmed earlier this week that they are not ready to announce a return date.
    • The space agency and Boeing have repeatedly said that the astronauts are not stranded and that in case of an emergency they could fly home in Starliner.
    • Speaking with the post, Kelly said: 'They're going to put a little bit of a strain on that. On the other hand, there are four extra hands to do more work. And there always seems to be a lot of work to be done up there.'
    • The team will test-fire the capsule's thrusters this weekend while docked to the space station to gather more data, said Boeing's Mark Nappi.
  • Bias (95%)
    The author expresses a negative sentiment towards Boeing and their Starliner spacecraft throughout the article. He mentions the multiple leaks and malfunctioning thrusters as reasons for keeping the astronauts in orbit longer, but also questions why they can't return home if the spacecraft is 'safe enough'. The author also brings up Boeing's past scandals and crashes, implying that their prioritization of profits over safety may be a factor in this situation. This demonstrates a clear bias against Boeing.
    • Boeing has been accused of putting profits before safety and has vowed to improve the quality of its products after the series of catastrophic failures.
      • despite their unfortunate position, have to work conducting science experiments and upkeep on the station - including cleaning its toilets.
        • The Starliner fiasco heaps fresh embarrassment on Boeing, whose commercial aviation department has been plagued by scandals and crashes.
        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication

        82%

        The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
        (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

        A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

        Boeing Starliner crew get their ISS sleepover extended

        The Register Richard Speed Friday, 26 July 2024 00:00
        • Unique Points
          • Boeing Starliner crew will spend summer at International Space Station (ISS)
          • Battery waiver approved, allowing Starliner to remain in space for 90 days
          • Hot-fire test of Starliner’s thrusters will assess helium leaks in the system
        • Accuracy
          • NASA and Boeing refused to set return date for Starliner
          • Mission duration exceeded eight days and might exceed ten times that
        • Deception (30%)
          The article contains selective reporting as it only reports details that support the author's position of Boeing Starliner's extended stay at the ISS being a problem. The author does not provide any context or mention any potential benefits of the extension. Additionally, there is emotional manipulation through phrases like 'despite the brave assertion by managers' and 'only the most ardent Boeing apologist would insist it’s going well.'
          • despite the brave assertion by managers that the initial mission duration was only ever a minimum and the team has been able to gather bonus experience on what a long-duration mission might look like.
          • Only the most ardent Boeing apologist would insist it’s going well.
          • The crew of the Boeing Starliner will spend the summer aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as NASA and Boeing refused to set a return date for the craft.
          • The hot-fire test of Starliner’s thrusters will also give managers an opportunity to assess its other issue, helium leaks.
        • Fallacies (90%)
          The author makes an appeal to authority when quoting Mark Nappi and Steve Stich. He also uses inflammatory rhetoric by stating 'only the most ardent Boeing apologist would insist it’s going well.'
          • "It's my regret that we didn't just say we're going to stay up there until we get everything done that we want to," - Mark Nappi, Vice President and Program Manager of Boeing’s Commercial Crew Program
          • "It's been six weeks since we last checked the helium system … so we'll pressurize manifold by manifold and then hot-fire the thrusters. Then we'll get a chance to look at the helium leak rates and verify that the system is stable." - NASA Commercial Crew Program Manager Steve Stich
        • Bias (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication

        100%

        The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
        (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

        A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

        Boeing capsule astronauts remain at Space Station with no return date, NASA says

        ABC NEWS SITE NAMES Name: ABC News Site Names URL: https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/us-officially-blames-iran_106834435 ABC News Friday, 26 July 2024 20:11
        • Unique Points
          • Boeing Starliner's first astronaut-crewed capsule remains docked at the International Space Station with no official return date.
          • NASA must review Boeing’s engineering before giving approval for a return mission, which may not happen until the first week of August.
        • Accuracy
          No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
        • Deception (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Fallacies (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Bias (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication