Boeing feels that the Starliner can still be "rescued"!
AFP published an article on July 22.
Boeing confirmed this week that it is advancing and trying to resolve the helium seal leak issue on the spacecraft, as well as the problems with its thermal diverter and overheated thrusters.
The company's officials have stated that the next flight of the spacecraft will not happen until at least early next year, and it is likely to carry only cargo, not crew members.
Boeing is working with its propulsion system supplier, the California-based defense contractor Aerojet Rocketdyne, to find a solution to the current issues.
Boeing's Starliner has had ongoing problems, exceeding the budget by more than $2 billion, and is currently stationed at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
The first test flight took place in June 2024.
Its last flight was in September 2024, when it returned uncrewed from the International Space Station to NASA's White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico, leaving two astronauts stranded at the International Space Station.
Boeing announced the Starship program in 2010, initially expecting the ship to enter regular service in 2015 to help transport NASA personnel to and from the International Space Station.
More than a decade later, problems still persist, and the company has yet to begin signing multi-billion-dollar contracts with NASA.
The United States has not given up on Boeing's Starliner, which may be related to the conflict between Trump and Musk.
After all, Musk recently said he wants to stop the Dragon spacecraft's services.
Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1838301955885129/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.