On June 6, 2024, at 1:34 p.m. EDT, Boeing’s Starliner docked with the International Space Station after suffering a malfunction. The initial docking was planned for 12:15 p.m. EDT but was delayed because five out of Starliner’s twenty-eight thrusters were not working correctly. Under these circumstances, it wouldn’t be ideal to undertake the delicate process of docking with an object moving at 17,500 miles per hour. The astronauts aboard Starliner successfully made contact with the ISS crew at 3:45 p.m. EDT.
This very public malfunction may come at a bad time for Boeing, with the recent revelation that the company may allegedly be cutting corners when it comes to safety. Two whistleblowers, John Barnett and Josh Dean, recently passed away shortly after exposing the alleged safety concern.
Sources:
Howell, E., & Malik, T. (2024b, June 5). Boeing Starliner 1st astronaut flight: Live updates. Space.com. https://www.space.com/news/live/boeing-starliner-live-updates
NBCUniversal News Group. (2024c, June 6). Boeing’s Starliner Spacecraft Docks with space station after thruster issues. NBCNews.com. https://www.nbcnews.com/science/space/boeing-starliner-spacecraft-issues-space-station-rcna155862
Wall, M. (2024b, June 6). Boeing’s 1st Starliner to carry astronauts arrives at ISS despite thruster malfunction. Space.com. https://www.space.com/boeing-starliner-misses-first-iss-docking-attempt
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