Welcome to Extreme Investor Network, where we bring you the latest and most interesting news in the world of business and investing. Today, we’re taking a closer look at Boeing’s Starliner capsule and its delayed docking attempt with the International Space Station.
Boeing’s Starliner capsule, carrying two NASA astronauts, was scheduled to dock with the International Space Station on June 6, 2024. However, NASA called off the initial approach to analyze an issue with the spacecraft’s propulsion system. The spacecraft has 28 jets, known as its reaction control system engines, that help it make small movements in orbit. NASA was troubleshooting five malfunctioning jets but was able to recover four after testing. The second docking attempt was scheduled for 1:33 p.m. ET, with 27 of the 28 jets operational.
NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams have been working with NASA’s flight controllers to test fire the thrusters and recover the spacecraft’s full propulsion system. The astronauts had to hold the spacecraft beyond the “keep out sphere,” an invisible boundary around the ISS, while diagnosing the problematic thrusters.
Boeing’s Starliner, which successfully launched on Wednesday, marks the first time the capsule is carrying astronauts to space. This mission is a crucial step before NASA certifies Boeing to fly crew on operational missions. While Starliner was once seen as a competitor to SpaceX’s Dragon, setbacks and delays have pushed it into a backup position for NASA. The agency plans to have both companies fly astronauts on alternating missions.
Stay tuned to Extreme Investor Network for more updates on this mission and other exciting developments in the world of business and investing. And don’t forget to sign up for our weekly editions of CNBC’s Investing in Space newsletter for more exclusive content.