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Two Different Steps Forward
When I mentioned the launch of the Starliner space capsule with astronauts on board, I was a little conscious it still had to reach and dock with the space station. That seemed to have been where the problems set in on a previous test flight that led to such a span of time between tests and all the snide comments about Boeing being responsible for the capsule. Trying to keep up with weblog updates today, I noticed comments about helium leaks being valved out, thrusters no longer working, and a “hold period.”
Wondering if there would be any updates on Universe Today, I checked that site only to see a positive report about the fourth test launch of SpaceX’s “Starship” rocket, where this time the first stage made a “controlled splashdown” and the second stage also made it back down through the atmosphere, although there did still seem a little bit of room for improvement there. After noting that, I did at last see a report the Starliner capsule had docked with the space station. That opens up space for troubleshooting if necessary.
Wondering if there would be any updates on Universe Today, I checked that site only to see a positive report about the fourth test launch of SpaceX’s “Starship” rocket, where this time the first stage made a “controlled splashdown” and the second stage also made it back down through the atmosphere, although there did still seem a little bit of room for improvement there. After noting that, I did at last see a report the Starliner capsule had docked with the space station. That opens up space for troubleshooting if necessary.