"I think we’re missing something fundamental that’s going on inside the thrusters."
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After a drama-filled day, Boeing’s Starliner finally finds its way
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I'm seriously concerned over these helium leaks. Did they notice any helium leaks in the other vehicles? 1 was bad enough, but the observations of more leads to me to think these valves are a ticking time bomb. Especially given the thruster problems encountered as well. We really needed another test article sent to space just to validate the thruster/engine characteristics in zero-g. Did they even try testing on the ground with full pressurization if the system for 7 days? If the valves have serious leakage issues with time, I worry about time on station limitations taking the vehicle out if practicality for crew rotation periods.
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When the goal is to get astronauts out of orbit and on the ground safely, that affects a lot of design consideration. Boeing decided to stick with the Apollo CM moldline and cushion the landing with air bags. To move some of the service module gear into the landing craft would make it heavier, which would effect how many parachutes it would need and put added stress on the air bag system. It would also mean a wider craft and a wider (heavier) heat shield or deviation from the Apollo moldline. SpaceX decided it was worth it to bring most of the service module back, had to go to four parachutes, and a longer capsule design. Boeing Decided that a more expendable craft would be cheaper or safer.
I like how Starliner can land from the ground with its airbags. And I like how Dragon is mostly reusable. It would be interesting to see if there was a way to combine the best of the two crafts.
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I wonder if Boeing would be better able to find the sources of the helium leaks if they referred to them as Helium whistleblowers instead...
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I know being selected to go to space is a big big deal... and a life long goal for many. I got to say though if I'm selected to drive one of these I might just say. Na you know what on second thought I think I'm ok just flying commercial airbus craft. Or ya know I can do great scientific work right here on earth thanks for thinking of me.
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Also, Helium heats up when it expands, thus reducing the risk of freezing the propellants. (Always assuming this was a risk in the first place.)
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It's fine. They said it's nothing significant, even though they don't even know what IT is. /s
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For pressurizing the propellants and no. However, they won't be running out of sufficient helium because of these leaks.
The main problem is the malfunction of the thrusters and as for the leaks, they don't know what caused them and consequently have no idea whether there might be more, worse leaks about to happen.
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