An Earth-based telescope recently snapped a shortwave infrared image of Boeing’s first crewed Starliner spacecraft making its way towards the International Space Station (ISS).
The Starliner, a part of Boeing’s CST-100 series, successfully reached the ISS on June 6 following some technical challenges during its journey. Despite encountering thruster issues, the spacecraft ultimately managed to dock with the station’s Harmony module.
Boeing’s team at Laser & Electro-Optical Systems, located in New Mexico, captured the significant moment using large-aperture telescopes and short-wave infrared sensors. By filtering out the sun’s blue light, which typically interferes with daytime observation, the team achieved this feat.
“This notable event allowed us to showcase the value of daytime satellite tracking to a wider audience,” commented Ron Dauk, the manager of Laser & Electro-Optical Systems.
Conventionally, satellite observations are restricted to the periods around sunrise and sunset due to the overpowering daylight. Boeing’s innovative approach in tracking satellites during the day overcomes these limitations, enabling continuous monitoring of satellite orbits.
“Satellite observation plays a crucial role not only in orbital activity monitoring but also in technologies like satellite laser communication,” stated Dale Parkes, system architect and Boeing Technical Fellow.
In the Starliner’s maiden manned voyage, aimed at testing the spacecraft’s capabilities, astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on June 5.
During their approach to the ISS, some of the Starliner’s thrusters shut down due to “five small helium leaks in the spacecraft’s service module,” as per NASA reports.
The two astronauts were initially scheduled to spend approximately a week on the ISS before returning to Earth on June 14. However, their return has been delayed multiple times as ground teams work to identify the cause of the thruster malfunction.
While waiting for their return journey, NASA mentioned that Williams and Wilmore have been “conducting scientific research and maintenance tasks” alongside the Expedition 71 crew aboard the ISS.
NASA also announced that updates on the delayed return of the Starliner will be provided during a conference call scheduled for Thursday.