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Aeronautics: two American astronauts stuck in space
Aeronautics: two American astronauts stuck in space
(Franceinfo)
Due to malfunctions in Boeing’s Starliner capsule, American astronauts who were due to spend a week on the ISS could remain in space until next year. An affair that further tarnishes the name of the French aircraft manufacturer.
For the two American astronauts, the euphoria was short-lived. Instead of staying a week on the ISS, they could well stay there until 2025. The Starliner capsule manufactured by Boeing suffered several failures during the flight, making it impossible to return to Earth. “We’ve been training a lot. I have a very good feeling that the spaceship will bring us home without any problems.”explained astronaut Sunita Williams. An unlikely scenario. NASA is now considering sending a ship from competitor SpaceX to bring the astronauts back to Earth.
Yet another failure for Boeing, already embroiled in the affair of an aircraft door that tore off in mid-flight last January. The executives were heard by the American Transportation Safety Agency. Hearings that highlighted the failings of the aeronautics giant. The door had no bolts. For Boeing, the descent into hell had started much earlier. In 2018 and 2019, two crashes cost the lives of 346 people. Each time, Boeing pleaded guilty. The aircraft manufacturer announced a loss of $1.4 billion in the second quarter of this year, but not enough to sink the company. A new CEO, Kelly Ortberg, has taken the helm.
