Vocal Voices

Max?

Today they finally decided to take the capsule off the top of the rocket, cancel the launch and actually try to find out what went wrong with 13 valves.

It was quite a concern when they started using heat and overpressure to force these valves open without finding the root cause of the problem. As it turned out, they found some valves they simply could not open, so off back to the factory it goes.

This is also not the first time that Boeing has had this problem. The first flight launched with 4 faulty valves when it failed the first time. These valves were part of the abort launch escape mechanism and since it was not carrying crew, NASA agreed to allow it to go with the faulty valves because the escape system would be disabled.

I suppose they could ask Elon to put on another cargo run for the cargo that should have arrived. I'm sure SpaceX would be happy to oblige....

Apparently Boeing has fixed nine of the 13 valves.

I cannot find much about the overpressure and heat claims as the reporting is all over the place. I have found 'software glitches' and that the test teams are now applying "mechanical, electrical and thermal techniques" to prompt the valves open, but that could mean anything.

Not that it matters. Starliner and the 737 MAX problems have hurt Boeing in all its guises - damaged goods, imo. As a former qualified aircraft technician I do recognise the differences between passenger planes and ISS crew / cargo shuttles, but the general public sees "Boeing" and stops there. Boeing could be in big trouble over this.

What does any of it mean? Pressure valves operate in many different ways.

Mechanical: spring or plenum chamber - fluid pressures - lots of variables
Electrical: solenoid or magnetic release - what decides? Software
Heat: differential of expansion between two (or more) components. That should have been known for all operating temperatures and materials before production.

Mechanical: hit it wiv an 'ammer Bob?

My father said "you can't get out at 25,000 feet and fix it". 40 years a RAF aircraft electrician.

Quadruple that for Space.

Then, just to add a bit of fun to it, these valves are for the manoeuvring thrusters. Just imagine it, coming in to dock, fire the retro thrusters, valve won't open...... Oooops.

The biggest issue here is they simply don't know why they won't open. Major oops.

Might be fun for SpaceX to offer them a lift in the Starship cargo bay if they can wait a year or so....

The Starship carbo bay is 9m across. 1,000 cubic meters.

Me thinks they want an Irsh spanner. A few thumps with one of those usually cures most problems