Summarize this content to 2000 words in 6 paragraphs A shortwave infrared image captured by Earth-based telescopes shows Boeing’s first crewed Starliner spacecraft approaching the International Space Station (ISS).The Starliner spacecraft, part of Boeing’s CST-100 series, arrived at the ISS on June 6 after encountering some technical challenges during its approach. The spacecraft faced thruster issues but managed to dock with the forward port of the station’s Harmony module.
Photograph capturing the International Space Station (ISS) with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft approaching, both illuminated against the dark night sky.
Photograph capturing the International Space Station (ISS) with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft approaching, both illuminated against the dark night sky.
Boeing
Boeing’s Laser & Electro-Optical Systems team, based in New Mexico, was responsible for capturing the event. Using a combination of large-aperture telescopes and short-wave infrared sensors, the team was able to reject the blue light emitted by the sun, which typically hinders daytime observation.”This high-profile event enabled us to demonstrate the value of daytime satellite tracking to a broader audience,” said Ron Dauk, Laser & Electro-Optical Systems manager.Traditionally, satellite observations are limited to periods shortly before sunrise and after sunset, as daylight tends to overwhelm telescope sensors. Boeing’s approach to satellite tracking during the day addresses these limitations, making it feasible to do around-the-clock monitoring of satellite orbits.
Watch the Boeing telescope system track the ISS over the U.S. – Mexico border from more than 259 miles away.
Watch the Boeing telescope system track the ISS over the U.S. – Mexico border from more than 259 miles away.
Boeing
“Satellite observation is key not only to monitoring activity in orbit, but also technologies like satellite laser communication,” said Dale Parkes, system architect and Boeing Technical Fellow.In the Starliner’s first manned voyage, meant to test the spacecraft’s capabilities, astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on June 5.
NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore aboard the International Space Station during a live broadcast for the Boeing Starliner mission.
NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore aboard the International Space Station during a live broadcast for the Boeing Starliner mission.
NASA
As they neared the ISS, several of the Starliner’s thrusters shut down due to “five small helium leaks in the spacecraft’s service module,” according to NASA.The two astronauts were expected to spend around one week on the ISS, and return to Earth on June 14, but their homecoming has been pushed back repeatedly as ground teams attempt to understand the cause of the thruster malfunction.Boeing has repeatedly stated that the crew are not “stranded”, and previously told Newsweek that the thruster issues were “not a concern” for the Starliner’s return flight to Earth.While awaiting their inbound flight, NASA reported that Williams and Wilmore have been “performing scientific research and maintenance activities” alongside the Expedition 71 crew on the ISS.The space agency announced they will participate in a conference call on Thursday to provide updates on the Starliner’s delayed return to Earth.Do you have a story we should be covering? Do you have any questions about this story? Contact [email protected]
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