Space ups and downs
Starliner’s return has thrust helium in the global spotlight.
After NASA and Boeing identified helium leaks and experienced issues with the spacecraft reaction control thrusters in the CST-100 Starliner, for the safety of the astronauts, the decision has been taken for it return to Earth without a crew.
Leaks were detected on the spacecraft’s propulsion systems, rendering a number of its 28 thrusters unusable. They began at 7 pounds per square inch (psi) and increased to between 50-70 psi, according to a space.com report.
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