On: Boeing Starliner launches first crewed mission

[dave78]

Sounds like there's a problem with the cooling system using more water than expected. If I understood the comms correctly it sounded like they switched to a backup system to try to alleviate the issue.

[madaxe_again → dave78]

And there’s a leak of ullage helium, which they are unable to resolve, so I doubt they will be reentering with the capsule.

[aejm → madaxe_again]

The helium leak was well understood and characterized before this launch attempt, see the last launch attempt. Helium leaks are not uncommon, and can be worked around.

Not reentering with this capsule would be a catastrophic failure. They are, unless something actually serious happens, certainly reentering on this capsule.

[madaxe_again → aejm]

There are two additional leaks detected post launch, and they have been unable to stem them, and are down 6 RCS thrusters.

I anticipate catastrophic failure. Dunno where you think they’re going to get more helium from.

[kylecazar → madaxe_again]

"Starliner’s currently maintaining plenty of helium reserves,” Boeing aerospace engineer Jim May confirmed Thursday morning.

"Currently the helium leak is not a safety issue for the crew, the vehicle or the mission.”

[creshal → kylecazar]

"Currently" is doing a lot of work in those statements.

(Unlike Boeing quality control, apparently.)

[hindsightbias → madaxe_again]

6 of 28. Looks good to me.

[Waterluvian → madaxe_again]

The Sun has a bit and it’s also in space.