Boeing Embarrassed as ‘Stuck’ Astronauts to Return with SpaceX

Summary

In this Cold Fusion episode, the focus is on Boeing's troubled Starliner spacecraft, which left two astronauts stranded on the International Space Station (ISS) for months due to mechanical issues. Originally an 8-day mission, it has now turned into an 8-month ordeal. Despite Boeing's earlier reputation for reliability, the Starliner has faced numerous problems, including helium leaks and thruster malfunctions. NASA has deemed the spacecraft unsafe, deciding to return the astronauts using a SpaceX Dragon capsule instead. The video explores the impact on Boeing's reputation and the challenges faced by the astronauts during their extended stay in space.

Takeaways

• 🚀 Two astronauts from Boeing's Starliner are stranded in space due to mechanical issues, turning their 8-day mission into an 8-month ordeal.
• 😮 Boeing's Starliner spacecraft, chosen by NASA alongside SpaceX's Dragon, has faced multiple technical failures, raising concerns about its safety.
• 🔧 The current mission's issues include helium leaks and malfunctioning thrusters, leading to uncertainty about the astronauts' safe return.
• 👨‍🚀 NASA and Boeing are at odds regarding the safety of the Starliner, with NASA ultimately deciding to bring the astronauts back using SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft.
• 🛰️ The International Space Station (ISS) is equipped with systems that recycle water and generate oxygen, ensuring the astronauts' survival during their extended stay.
• 💪 Astronauts are trained for such scenarios and maintain their physical and mental health through rigorous routines, including exercise and communication with Earth.
• 💡 The situation highlights the challenges and risks associated with space travel, as well as the importance of reliable technology in ensuring astronaut safety.
• 🛠️ Boeing's reputation has been severely damaged, with the Starliner project being 7 years late and $1.5 billion over budget.
• 📉 The comparison between SpaceX and Boeing is unfavorable for Boeing, as SpaceX has been consistently successful in its missions to the ISS.
• 🎓 The video also promotes Brilliant.org, a platform for learning about complex topics like rocket physics and orbital mechanics through interactive lessons.

Q & A

What caused the delay in the return of the two astronauts from the International Space Station?

Mechanical issues with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft, including helium leaks and thruster malfunctions, caused the delay in the return of the two astronauts.

How long was the original mission of the astronauts supposed to last, and how long might it actually last?

The original mission was supposed to last 8 days, but due to the mechanical issues, it could extend to 8 months.

What are the two main problems identified with the Starliner spacecraft?

The two main problems are helium leaks in the propulsion system and malfunctioning thrusters.

How did NASA and Boeing respond to the problems with the Starliner spacecraft?

NASA and Boeing engineers are working together to troubleshoot the problems, but they have differing opinions on the safety of the spacecraft. NASA ultimately decided to bring the astronauts back on a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft.

What contingency plan does NASA have for returning the astronauts to Earth?

NASA plans to bring the astronauts back to Earth using SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft instead of the Starliner.

How has Boeing's reputation been affected by the issues with the Starliner spacecraft?

Boeing's reputation has been negatively affected, with the Starliner issues adding to a series of mishaps in 2024, raising concerns about the company's reliability.

What are the physical and psychological challenges astronauts face during prolonged stays in space?

Prolonged stays in space can lead to muscle atrophy, bone density loss, cardiovascular changes, and psychological challenges such as stress and isolation.

How do astronauts maintain their mental and physical health during extended missions on the International Space Station?

Astronauts maintain their health by following a strict diet, exercising at least 2.5 hours per day, sticking to a daily work routine, and staying in contact with people on Earth.

How does the International Space Station handle essential supplies like food, water, and oxygen?

The ISS recycles water and generates oxygen through electrolysis, and food is regularly resupplied via cargo missions.

What are some of the key features of the Starliner spacecraft?

The Starliner is a reusable spacecraft designed to carry seven astronauts or a mix of crew and cargo. It can also be launched using different rockets like SpaceX's Falcon 9.

Outlines

00:00

🚀 Stranded Astronauts: Boeing's Space Mission in Peril

The video introduces a crisis involving two astronauts aboard Boeing's Starliner spacecraft, whose 8-day mission to the International Space Station (ISS) has been extended to potentially 8 months due to mechanical issues. This episode explores the challenges they face, the uncertain safety of their spacecraft, and the connection to Cold Fusion's most popular video on space disasters.

05:04

🔧 Starliner Troubles: Helium Leaks and Thruster Failures

Boeing's Starliner has encountered multiple technical issues, including helium leaks and thruster malfunctions. These problems, detected before and after the spacecraft's launch, have raised concerns about the safety of the astronauts' return journey. NASA and Boeing are working to address these issues, but disagreements between the two entities complicate the resolution. A contingency plan involves possibly returning the astronauts via a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft.

10:05

🧠 Survival in Space: The Psychological and Physical Challenges

Extended time in space presents significant physical and psychological challenges for astronauts. The video explains how astronauts on the ISS are trained to handle such situations, detailing their routines for maintaining physical health and mental well-being. It also highlights the ISS's capabilities for sustaining life, such as oxygen recycling and food resupply, but emphasizes the mental strain of prolonged isolation.

Keywords

💡International Space Station (ISS)

The International Space Station (ISS) is a large spacecraft that orbits Earth at an average altitude of 400 km. It is a collaborative project between multiple space agencies, including NASA, Roscosmos, the European Space Agency, Japan's Aerospace Exploration Agency, and the Canadian Space Agency. The ISS serves as a platform for conducting scientific research in various fields such as astrobiology, astronomy, and meteorology. In the video, the ISS is central to the narrative as it is where the astronauts are stranded due to issues with their spacecraft, the Boeing Starliner.

💡Boeing Starliner

The Boeing Starliner is a spacecraft developed by Boeing as part of NASA's Commercial Crew Program to transport astronauts to and from the ISS. It is designed to be reusable and capable of carrying up to seven astronauts or a mix of crew and cargo. The Starliner is modular, meaning it can be launched using different rockets, including SpaceX's Falcon 9. In the video, the Starliner is the focus of the issue as it has mechanical problems that prevent the astronauts from returning to Earth as planned.

💡Helium leaks

Helium leaks refer to the unintended escape of helium gas from a spacecraft's propulsion system. In the context of the video, the Starliner spacecraft experienced helium leaks due to a damaged seal, which raised concerns about the integrity and safety of the spacecraft. These leaks are significant because they can affect the performance of the spacecraft's thrusters and potentially compromise the safety of the crew.

💡Thruster malfunctions

Thruster malfunctions are issues with the spacecraft's reaction control system thrusters, which are crucial for maneuvering the spacecraft. In the video, five out of 28 thrusters on the Starliner malfunctioned, causing delays and uncertainty about the spacecraft's ability to safely return the astronauts to Earth. Thrusters are essential for docking procedures, attitude control, and re-entry, making their proper functioning vital for a successful mission.

💡Commercial Crew Program

The Commercial Crew Program is a NASA initiative aimed at facilitating the development of crew transportation capabilities in partnership with private companies like Boeing and SpaceX. The program's goal is to have safe, reliable, and cost-effective access to and from the ISS. The video discusses the Starliner's issues within this program, highlighting the challenges faced by Boeing and the implications for NASA's reliance on commercial partners for space travel.

💡SpaceX Dragon spacecraft

The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft is a reusable spacecraft designed for carrying both crew and cargo to the ISS. In the video, it is mentioned as a contingency plan to bring the stranded astronauts back to Earth, as NASA deems the Starliner unsafe for return. The Dragon's reliability and successful track record with crewed missions contrast with the issues faced by the Starliner, emphasizing the importance of redundancy and backup plans in space travel.

💡Microgravity

Microgravity refers to the condition experienced in space where the force of gravity is too small to be felt and objects appear to be weightless. Extended stays in microgravity can lead to physical challenges such as muscle atrophy and bone density loss. The video discusses the measures astronauts must take to mitigate these effects, such as daily exercise and maintaining a strict diet, to ensure their health during prolonged missions.

💡Astronaut training

Astronaut training encompasses the rigorous preparation that space travelers undergo to handle the physical and psychological demands of space travel. The video mentions the training in the context of the astronauts' ability to cope with the unexpected extended stay on the ISS. Training includes physical conditioning, psychological assessments, and simulations of various mission scenarios to ensure astronauts are prepared for the challenges of space travel.

💡NASA

NASA, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, is the United States government agency responsible for the nation's civilian space program and for aeronautics and aerospace research. In the video, NASA is central to the decision-making process regarding the safety of the Starliner and the return of the astronauts. The agency's role highlights the complex coordination and safety considerations involved in human spaceflight.

💡Space travel

Space travel refers to the movement of human beings or objects to and from outer space. The video's narrative revolves around the challenges and complexities of space travel, particularly the technical issues with the Starliner and the impact on the astronauts' mission. The term encompasses not only the physical journey but also the broader implications for scientific research, technology development, and the future of human exploration beyond Earth.

Highlights

Boeing's Starliner astronauts are stranded in space, turning an 8-day mission into a potential 8-month ordeal.

The Starliner spacecraft, made by Boeing, encountered mechanical issues that delayed the astronauts' return to Earth.

This incident mirrors a popular Cold Fusion episode titled 'Three Men Lost in Space,' sparking a new episode on this real-life situation.

The Starliner mission was intended to test and evaluate the spacecraft's safety and performance for future astronaut transport.

Boeing's reputation, once strong in the space industry, has been severely damaged by a series of failures and delays.

The Starliner spacecraft suffered from multiple helium leaks and thruster malfunctions, raising concerns about its safety.

NASA and Boeing engineers are at odds over the spacecraft's safety, with NASA ultimately deciding it is unsafe for the astronauts' return.

NASA made a last-minute decision to bring the stranded astronauts back using a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft.

The two astronauts will remain in space for an additional 8 months, returning in February 2025 instead of June 2024.

Extended stays in space pose significant physical and psychological challenges, including muscle atrophy and mental health issues.

The ISS is equipped with systems to recycle water and generate oxygen, ensuring the astronauts' survival during the extended mission.

Astronauts maintain their physical and mental health through strict routines, including exercise and regular communication with Earth.

The Starliner mission's failure is another blow to Boeing, which has faced multiple challenges and delays in recent years.

SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft has been successfully flying crewed missions to the ISS for over three years, contrasting with Boeing's struggles.

This situation highlights the importance of rigorous testing and the challenges of space travel, offering valuable lessons for future missions.

Transcripts

this video was brought to you by

brilliant hi welcome to another episode

of Cold Fusion two astronauts from

Boeing Styer Starliner are now awaiting

a decision on when they can return home

from space after 9 weeks on the

International Space Station NASA now

says mechanical issues with the

Starliner could turn their planned 8-day

Mission into 8 months for those who've

been watching cold fusion you might know

that the most popular video on this

channel is about the 13 disaster which I

titled three men Lost in Space so when I

saw this story I knew I had to make an

episode on it for astronauts Sita Sunny

Williams and Barry Butch Wilmore what

was supposed to be an 8-day trip back in

early June has turned into months and

the worst part there was a lot of

uncertainty over whether their

spacecraft was safe or not this meant

that there was no specific return date

for them imagine what they must be

feeling up there the current situation

really does capture one's imagination

why exactly are two astronauts stuck in

space what went wrong is there enough

food and supplies for such a massive

change of plans there's also a last

minute update to the story that reflects

terribly on Boeing so buckle up as we

dive into this

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story you are watching cold fusion

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TV for those who don't know the

International Space Station is a large

spacecraft that orbits the earth roughly

at an average altitude of 400 km it's a

collaborative Space Project between NASA

Russia's Ross Cosmos the European Space

Agency Japan's Aerospace Exploration

Agency and the Canada space agency its

purpose is to conduct scientific

research in astrobiology astronomy

meteorology and more throughout the year

many missions take place in relation to

the ISS whether it's cargo resupplying

or scientific experiments the route to

the Space Station is often

busy the astronauts in question Sunni

and but were part of one such mission in

June 2024 however their primary goal was

a little bit different they were going

to test and evaluate the spacecraft that

they'll be making a journey in the new

Starliner they would report on its

performance mainly how safe it was and

if it was able to transport astronauts

to and from the space station the plan

was to stay on the International Space

Station for 8 days while conducting

research and Performing day-to-day

routine operations for the space station

but here's the punchline as alluded to

the Starliner spacecraft is made by

Boeing 2024 was already one of the worst

years for the company and now some

astronaut stranded in space can be added

to the pile of mishaps so what exactly

is Boeing Starliner and where did it go

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wrong almost 10 years ago in September

24th 14 Boeing and SpaceX were chosen by

NASA as the two companies to help

develop transportation for astronauts to

travel to and from the ISS and other low

orbit sites by 2017 Boeing had won a

$4.2 billion contract to complete and

certify its Starliner class of

spacecrafts and Space X won a similar

contract for its Dragon spacecraft but

was valued at less $2.6 billion the

Starliner actually had some pretty

competitive features for example it's a

reusable vessel meaning that it could

potentially be used up to 10 times

before requiring any refurbishment its

capacity was Seven astronauts or a mix

of crew and cargo it's also modular in

essence so it can be launched using

other Rockets like spacex's Falcon 9 so

it's clear that NASA at the time valued

Boeing's reliability and track record

particularly over Space X who was more

of a wild card than the established

Boeing even 10 years ago Boeing was

still a reliable name in the industry

one of the best from early contributions

to space travel to helping on the actual

design of the International Space

Station itself and its construction to

commercial space efforts Boeing was

always going to be the top choice for

NASA but that was then and this is now

2024 has seen Boeing's reputation

absolutely dragg through the dirt but

even before there were a few warning

signs that this mission may not be

smooth sailing the Starliner Space

Capsule failed to reach the proper orbit

during an unmanned test flight today and

there is conc concern that failure could

leave the US scrambling to get its

astronauts into space in 2019 the first

unmanned test flight was unsuccessful

due to a software issue a second test

flight in 2022 was a bit better but

there were issues with calling and

Thruster systems the latter a

foreshadowing of what was to come the

current Mission with Sunni and Butch is

the first crude test mission to the

space station and while it successfully

reached the ISS and dock successfully

NASA would have likely been sorely

disappointed with what happened

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next Starliner problems could be

categorized into two categories helium

leaks and Thruster malfunctions the

issues on the current Mission started

even before its launch a helium leak was

detected in the propulsion system due to

a damaged seal and after the spacecraft

reached orbit there were two more helium

leaks identified along with two smaller

leaks post docking then there's the

issue with the thrusters so the

spacecraft had 28 reaction control

system thrusters five out of those 28

thrusters malfunctioned and this

temporarily delayed the docking process

now four of them have been restored by

engineers and tests performed after

docking show that most of the thrusters

were okay but one of them is still not

performing as expected the helium leaks

and Thruster issues through the

confidence of the safe return of the

crew into question the Boeing and NASA

teams now had to troubleshoot the

problems from the ground and determine

if the styliner spacecraft is safe for a

return Journey NASA had mentioned plans

to bring in additional propulsion

experts to further evaluate the issues

with the Starliner quote we brought in

folks from the robotic space flight

community at Glenn Research Center and

at the Godard space flight center at JPL

they're used to analyzing propulsion

systems when spacecraft are millions of

miles away and they provided some useful

input to us end quote that was Ken Bower

Sox associate administrator for NASA's

space operations Mission directorate

with that being said the two companies

seem at odds on August 7th Boeing stated

quote we still believe in the styliner

capability and it's flight rationale but

Nessa would say yeah we don't really

agree Ken Bower Sox again quote weave

NASA and Boeing had very honest

discussions with each other they have

confidence in their vehicle that's what

we like to hear from them but what the

NASA team thinks is important and when

we get to a decision we'll work through

it

together in an embarrassing twist the

agency had a contingency plan to bring

the two astronauts back on a SpaceX

spacecraft NASA and Boeing Engineers

disagreeing no consensus on whether or

not they really understand what the

problem is so unless they really

understand the problem they may need to

bring the crew back down on a SpaceX

Dragon spacecraft of course SpaceX has

been flying dragon uh to the ISS with

astronauts for over 3 years and just a

last minute update to The Saga I was

already rendering this episode when the

news broke NASA finally made the call

and deemed the Boeing spacecraft unsafe

to fly the two astronauts will indeed be

hitching a ride back with the SpaceX

Dragon spacecraft scheduled for takeoff

on September 24th and they'll be

returning in February

2025 the dragon capsu has room for four

but two of those seats will be empty and

that's in order to accommodate the two

stranded astronauts meanwhile the

stricken Boeing Starliner will return

turned back to Earth

unmanned it seemed that NASA had little

confidence in Boeing because the

decision was unanimous on the decision

Steve Stitch the manager of NASA's

commercial crew program would State

quote there was just too much

uncertainty in the prediction of the

thrusters the decision to use space X

instead of Boeing brings to an end many

weeks of uncertainty for the astronauts

but unfortunately they're still going to

be stuck in space for 8 months longer

than planned and now automatically the

question floods our mind

how are they going to survive up there

what will they eat what will they do are

they going to go

insane for those familiar with space

travel or have watched a movie or two on

the topic you'd know that astronauts are

trained specifically for scenarios like

this they go through rigorous training a

strict diet regimen and various

psychological tests to help them survive

situations like this but even then

prolonged stays in space pose

significant physical and psychological

challenges just take a second to imagine

the situation you're in space in an

enclosed craft with the same routine you

haven't seen your friends or your family

in weeks and you don't know when you're

going to return it sucks but in terms of

oxygen supply the ISS is equipped with

advanced technology and systems that

recycles water from urine sweat and

moisture and then generates oxygen

through electrolysis food is resupplied

via cargo missions regularly so that

should take care of the Essentials as a

side note the International Space

Station has multiple docking

capabilities and according to Nessa

eight spaceships can be connected to the

space station at once it's also known

that extended time in microgravity can

lead to muscle atrophy bone density loss

cardiovascular changes and much more to

mitigate that astronauts are told to

keep their recommended intake of food

and water and exercise at least 2.5

hours per day to prevent muscle and bone

loss but what about their mental health

the recommendation is to maintain a

daily work routine stick to a schedule

for Sleep exercise as needed and perhaps

most importantly keep in touch with

people from Earth you can actually make

a phone call directly to people on Earth

using radio signals and they also have

Wi-Fi on the space station but keep in

mind that connection is relatively slow

and doesn't quite operate the same way

as it does on Earth luckily there are

other workers present in the ISS so the

two astronauts would be completely alone

by themselves the entire time

there's really going to be a lot of

finger wagging at Boeing the Starliner

was 7 years late and $1.5 billion over

budget whether it's just bad luck or yet

another case of deep rooted incompetence

remains to be seen but some of the

executives within NASA's boardroom would

be raising a few eyebrows at this event

space X is routinely flying crude

missions to the ISS using its Dragon

spacecraft so when you compare them and

Boeing it's not a good look launching

objects into space is pretty complicated

stuff but have you ever wondered what

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coldfusion you'll also get 20% off an

annual premium subscription so the idea

of space travel is not just the journey

but the things that we can learn along

Ong the way and the things that can be

applied across different fields of study

and to humanity as a whole the current

situation presents an incredible

Challenge and while I'm sure that the

agency will learn a lot from this

exercise for future missions it's

critical that the two astronauts return

safely so that's where we stand with the

two astronauts waiting for a ride back

to Earth so what do you guys think about

the situation in the context of growing

concerns in their commercial airline

business what do you think Boeing can do

to regain public Trust

some housekeeping once again part two of

my collaboration with ABC Australia is

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advanced scams and how to protect

yourself check it out it's pretty

interesting all right that's about it

from me my name is toogo and thanks for

watching and I'll see you again soon for

the next episode cheers guys have a good

one I don't

know what

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cold fusion it's new thinking