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NASA Decides to Bring Starliner Spacecraft Back to Earth Without Crew

Published

3 months ago

August 25, 2024

Daily News Staff

Boeing Starliner — NASA Administrator Bill Nelson and leadership participate in a live news conference on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024, at the agency’s Johnson Space Center in Houston where they provided an update about NASA’s Boeing Crew Flight Test. Credit: NASA

Bringing Starliner Home

NASA will return Boeing’s Starliner to Earth without astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams aboard the spacecraft, the agency announced Saturday. The uncrewed return allows NASA and Boeing to continue gathering testing data on Starliner during its upcoming flight home, while also not accepting more risk than necessary for its crew.

Wilmore and Williams, who flew to the International Space Station in June aboard NASA’s Boeing Crew Flight Test, have been busy supporting station research, maintenance, and Starliner system testing and data analysis, among other activities.

“Spaceflight is risky, even at its safest and most routine. A test flight, by nature, is neither safe, nor routine. The decision to keep Butch and Suni aboard the International Space Station and bring Boeing’s Starliner home uncrewed is the result of our commitment to safety: our core value and our North Star,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. “I’m grateful to both the NASA and Boeing teams for all their incredible and detailed work.”

Wilmore and Williams will continue their work formally as part of the Expedition 71/72 crew through February 2025. They will fly home aboard a Dragon spacecraft with two other crew members assigned to the agency’s SpaceX Crew-9 mission. Starliner is expected to depart from the space station and make a safe, controlled autonomous re-entry and landing in early September.

NASA and Boeing identified helium leaks and experienced issues with the spacecraft reaction control thrusters on June 6 as Starliner approached the space station. Since then, engineering teams have completed a significant amount of work, including reviewing a collection of data, conducting flight and ground testing, hosting independent reviews with agency propulsion experts, and developing various return contingency plans. The uncertainty and lack of expert concurrence does not meet the agency’s safety and performance requirements for human spaceflight, thus prompting NASA leadership to move the astronauts to the Crew-9 mission.

“Decisions like this are never easy, but I want to commend our NASA and Boeing teams for their thorough analysis, transparent discussions, and focus on safety during the Crew Flight Test,” said Ken Bowersox, associate administrator for NASA’s Space Operations Mission Directorate. “We’ve learned a lot about the spacecraft during its journey to the station and its docked operations. We also will continue to gather more data about Starliner during the uncrewed return and improve the system for future flights to the space station.”

Starliner is designed to operate autonomously and previously completed two uncrewed flights. NASA and Boeing will work together to adjust end-of-mission planning and Starliner’s systems to set up for the uncrewed return in the coming weeks. Starliner must return to Earth before the Crew-9 mission launches to ensure a docking port is available on station.

“Starliner is a very capable spacecraft and, ultimately, this comes down to needing a higher level of certainty to perform a crewed return,” said Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. “The NASA and Boeing teams have completed a tremendous amount of testing and analysis, and this flight test is providing critical information on Starliner’s performance in space. Our efforts will help prepare for the uncrewed return and will greatly benefit future corrective actions for the spacecraft.”

NASA’s Commercial Crew Program requires spacecraft fly a crewed test flight to prove the system is ready for regular flights to and from the space station. Following Starliner’s return, the agency will review all mission-related data to inform what additional actions are required to meet NASA’s certification requirements.

The agency’s SpaceX Crew-9 mission, originally slated with four crew members, will launch no earlier than Tuesday, Sept. 24. The agency will share more information about the Crew-9 complement when details are finalized.

NASA and SpaceX currently are working several items before launch, including reconfiguring seats on the Crew-9 Dragon, and adjusting the manifest to carry additional cargo, personal effects, and Dragon-specific spacesuits for Wilmore and Williams. In addition, NASA and SpaceX now will use new facilities at Space Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida to launch Crew-9, which provides increased operational flexibility around NASA’s planned Europa Clipper launch.

The Crew-9 mission will be the ninth rotational mission to the space station under NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, which works with the American aerospace industry to meet the goal of safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation to and from the orbital outpost on American-made rockets and spacecraft launching from American soil.

For more than two decades, people have lived and worked continuously aboard the International Space Station, advancing scientific knowledge and demonstrating new technologies, making research breakthroughs not possible on Earth. The station is a critical testbed for NASA to understand and overcome the challenges of long-duration spaceflight and to expand commercial opportunities in low Earth orbit. As commercial companies focus on providing human space transportation services and destinations as part of a robust low Earth orbit economy, NASA’s Artemis campaign is underway at the Moon where the agency is preparing for future human exploration of Mars.

Find more information on NASA’s Commercial Crew Program at:

https://www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew

Source: NASA

The science section of our news blog STM Daily News provides readers with captivating and up-to-date information on the latest scientific discoveries, breakthroughs, and innovations across various fields. We offer engaging and accessible content, ensuring that readers with different levels of scientific knowledge can stay informed. Whether it’s exploring advancements in medicine, astronomy, technology, or environmental sciences, our science section strives to shed light on the intriguing world of scientific exploration and its profound impact on our daily lives. From thought-provoking articles to informative interviews with experts in the field, STM Daily News Science offers a harmonious blend of factual reporting, analysis, and exploration, making it a go-to source for science enthusiasts and curious minds alike. https://stmdailynews.com/category/science/

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Was there a store with the name White Front?

Yes, White Front was a department store established in 1951 in Los Angeles, California.

Published

2 days ago

November 13, 2024

Daily News Staff

Yes, there was a department store named White Front that was established in 1951 in Los Angeles, California. The store was known for its low prices, extensive selection of merchandise, and deep discounts. The chain expanded rapidly, opening stores in California, Arizona, and Nevada.

At its peak, White Front had over 30 stores, and it was one of the largest discount retailers in the country. The stores carried a wide range of merchandise, including clothing, electronics, appliances, housewares, and sporting goods.

However, in the 1970s, the company began to struggle financially, and it was eventually acquired by the Gibson Discount Centers chain. The White Front stores were gradually converted to Gibson stores, and the brand disappeared in the 1980s.

Today, there are no White Front stores in operation, but the chain remains a nostalgic memory for many people who remember shopping at the stores during their heyday.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Front

https://stmdailynews.com/category/stm-blog/blog/

https://stmdailynews.com/stm-daily-news-vlog

STM Daily News is a multifaceted podcast that explores a wide range of topics, from life and consumer issues to the latest in food and beverage trends. Our discussions dive into the realms of science, covering everything from space and Earth to nature, artificial intelligence, and astronomy. We also celebrate the amateur sports scene, highlighting local athletes and events, including our special segment on senior Pickleball, where we report on the latest happenings in this exciting community. With our diverse content, STM Daily News aims to inform, entertain, and engage listeners, providing a comprehensive look at the issues that matter most in our daily lives. https://stories-this-moment.castos.com/

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Popular Nasal Decongestant Falls Short: FDA Advisers Question Efficacy

FDA questions effectiveness of popular nasal decongestant phenylephrine, raising concerns about congestion relief.

Published

2 days ago

November 13, 2024

Hal Machina

In a surprising turn of events, government experts have cast doubt on the effectiveness of the leading decongestant found in popular over-the-counter medications like Sudafed and Dayquil. A recent review conducted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found that the main drug ingredient, phenylephrine, offers no significant relief from nasal congestion. This revelation raises concerns among millions of Americans who rely on these medications for congestion relief.

Phenylephrine became the primary ingredient in over-the-counter decongestants after pseudoephedrine, an older ingredient, was moved behind pharmacy counters due to its potential for illegal drug processing. However, the FDA’s outside advisers unanimously voted against the efficacy of phenylephrine, prompting a reevaluation of its effectiveness. Despite phenylephrine-based versions dominating the market, accounting for four-fifths of the $2.2 billion oral decongestant market, the FDA’s conclusions suggest a need to reconsider their availability.

The FDA review identified significant flaws in the original studies that supported phenylephrine’s approval. These studies, conducted in the 1960s and 1970s, were deemed inadequate by modern standards. Furthermore, three recent, well-conducted studies by reputable pharmaceutical companies found no discernible difference between phenylephrine medications and placebos in relieving congestion. This raises concerns about the effectiveness of phenylephrine, which has relied on outdated research.

The FDA’s advisory panel’s unanimous vote against phenylephrine’s effectiveness could lead to regulatory action requiring drugmakers like Johnson & Johnson and Bayer to withdraw their phenylephrine-based oral decongestants from store shelves. This move may force consumers to opt for behind-the-counter pseudoephedrine products or phenylephrine-based nasal sprays and drops. However, it would necessitate extensive education efforts by the FDA, pharmacists, and drugstores to inform consumers about alternative options for treating congestion.

The Consumer Healthcare Products Association, representing nonprescription drugmakers, argued that the recent studies have limitations and advocated for continued “easy access” to phenylephrine. However, the FDA review highlighted the shortcomings of the original studies and the lack of modern scientific evidence supporting phenylephrine’s efficacy. Balancing public health concerns and consumer access will be a crucial challenge for regulators moving forward.

The FDA’s recent review has cast doubt on the effectiveness of phenylephrine, the key ingredient in popular nasal decongestants. This finding prompts a reevaluation of treatment options for nasal congestion and calls for further research to provide effective relief for individuals in need.

Check out the article from the Associated Press: https://apnews.com/article/sudafed-decongestants-phenylephrine-pseudoephedrine-fda-0f140bafae9a500c5fba05fe764ecb66

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Is the Vincent Thomas Bridge in Los Angeles Closing? Here’s What You Need to Know

Published

2 days ago

November 13, 2024

Rod Washington

Big news for Los Angeles commuters and shipping operations: the iconic Vincent Thomas Bridge is set to undergo a major construction project that will lead to its complete closure for over a year. According to Caltrans, the bridge will shut down for a 16-month deck replacement, starting in late 2025 or early 2026.

Why Close the Bridge?

The Vincent Thomas Bridge, which connects San Pedro and Long Beach as part of Highway 47, has served as a vital traffic artery for 60 years. However, time has taken its toll, and the bridge’s concrete deck is quickly deteriorating due to the heavy vehicles that cross it daily and the marine environment it spans.

Caltrans officials have deemed the deck replacement necessary to ensure the structure’s safety and longevity. They describe the bridge as Los Angeles’ “welcoming monument,” emphasizing its importance to the community and regional connectivity.

The Decision Process

Earlier this year, Caltrans sought public feedback on how to approach the impending closure. Options included keeping some lanes open or implementing partial closures. However, after a 90-day comment period, it was determined that complete closure would be the most effective approach. This decision was guided by technical and environmental studies that showed a full closure would allow for uninterrupted work and ultimately shorten the construction timeline.

Caltrans emphasized that the single-stage option not only minimizes construction time but is also the safest, most cost-efficient, and allows for greater construction efficiency.

What to Expect During the Closure

When the construction begins, the bridge will be entirely shut down. This means rerouting will become essential for those who rely on this crucial structure for daily travel. Caltrans is currently working on a detailed closure and detour plan that will incorporate public input.

The preliminary detour routes likely include:

Sepulveda Boulevard
West Harry Bridges Boulevard
Alameda Street
Pacific Coast Highway
Henry Ford Avenue
Terminal Island Freeway/Highway 103

Commuters should brace for adjustments in their routes, as traffic patterns may shift considerably during the bridge’s closure.

Final Thoughts

While the announcement of the Vincent Thomas Bridge’s closure may send ripples of concern through the community, it’s essential to remember that this critical project is being implemented to preserve the bridge’s structural integrity for the future. The construction of a new deck will not only enhance safety but will also support the ever-increasing demands of traffic between Los Angeles and its bustling shipping centers.

As the scheduled start date approaches, be sure to stay informed about closure updates and planned detours to facilitate a smoother transition during this necessary project.