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NASA Astronauts Stuck in Space After Troubled Capsule Returns to Earth Empty

Published

2 months ago

2024-09-09

Friday night marked the end of Boeing’s first human mission, with an empty capsule landing and two NASA test pilots remaining in orbit until next year because NASA deemed their return to be too dangerous.

Starliner descended automatically through the darkness of the desert six hours after leaving the International Space Station and parachuted into the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico.

It was a quiet conclusion to a story that had started with Boeing’s long-awaited crew debut launch in June and then spiraled out of control due to thruster problems and helium leaks. Engineers were unable to comprehend the capsule’s issues for months, which cast doubt on Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams’ return.

NASA disagreed and scheduled a mission with SpaceX, despite Boeing’s insistence following thorough testing that it was safe to transport the two home on Starliner. They will be up there until February, more than eight months after taking off on what should have been a brief journey, since their SpaceX flight won’t launch until the end of this month.

By mid-June, a week after launching in it, Wilmore and Williams ought to have flown Starliner back to Earth. However, a series of engine issues and helium leaks hampered their journey to the space station, and NASA finally determined it was too dangerous to send them back on Starliner.

Thus, equipped with new software, the fully automated capsule departed, taking with it some outdated station gear as well as its empty seats and blue spacesuits.

As the white and blue-trimmed capsule undocked from the space station 260 miles (420 km) over China and vanished into the dark void, Williams radioed, “She’s on her way home.”

Williams remained up long to watch the outcome of everything. “Very impressive, a solid landing,” stated Boeing’s Mission Control.

Cheers were raised when the capsule was seen landing as a white streak by cameras on the space station and two NASA aircraft.

Though there were a few problems during reentry, including as further rocket problems, Starliner accomplished a “bull’s-eye landing,” according to Steve Stich, NASA’s commercial crew program manager.

“I think we made the right decision not to have Butch and Suni on board,” Stich stated at an early Saturday press conference, notwithstanding the safe return. We’re all pleased with the successful landing. However, a part of each of us wishes that everything had gone according to our original plans.

Boeing refrained from attending the news briefing in Houston. However, Ted Colbert and Kay Sears, two of the company’s top space and defence officials, informed staff members in a note that they supported NASA’s decision.

The executives stated, “We support NASA’s decision for Starliner and are proud of how our team and spacecraft performed, even though this may not have been how we originally envisioned the test flight concluding.”

NASA Calls SpaceX

After several delays and mishaps, Starliner’s crew demo came to an end. NASA contracted with Boeing and SpaceX to provide orbital taxi service after the space shuttles were retired more than ten years ago. In 2019, Boeing faced so many issues with its maiden solo test flight that it had to do it again. A $1 billion repair charge accompanied the even more problems discovered during the 2022 doover.

This month’s crew ferry flight by SpaceX will mark the company’s tenth flight for NASA since 2020. Wilmore and Williams have two seats allocated for the return part of the half-year trip, thus only two astronauts will embark aboard the Dragon capsule.

Wilmore and Williams, two former Navy captains and seasoned astronauts, expected challenges during the test mission. They have remained occupied in space, contributing to experiments and repairs. Along with the other seven people on board, the two are now full-time members of the station crew.

Starliner’s propulsion system began leaking helium even before the two took off from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on June 5. Upon liftoff, four more leaks appeared, despite the first one being tiny and deemed isolated. Five thrusters then failed. Despite finding four of the thrusters, NASA was concerned that more faults may prevent the capsule from descending from orbit.

After conducting a number of thruster tests during the summer, both in space and on Earth, Boeing was certain that its spacecraft could return the crew safely. However, NASA chose SpaceX since it could not settle with the thruster problem.

Assessment on Starliner

After undocking, flight controllers fired the capsule’s thrusters one more time for testing; one of them did not ignite. Engineers believe that as the thrusters fire more frequently, their temperature rises and protective seals expand, blocking the propellant’s flow. None of the pieces will be available for inspection because the thruster portion was removed right before reentry.

In a few weeks, Starliner will be returned to NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre, where the assessments will take place.

NASA representatives emphasised that the space agency is still dedicated to having two rival American enterprises transport humans. Until the space station is abandoned in 2030, just before its destructive reentry, SpaceX and Boeing plan to alternately send people, one every year. NASA reports that although Boeing doesn’t have much time to catch up, the corporation plans to move forward with Starliner.

Following the landing, Stich stated that it is premature to determine the date of the next Starliner astronaut flight.

“Determining the next course of action will require some time,” he told AP.

NASA Sets Coverage for Starliner News Conference and Return to Earth

NASA Sets Coverage for Starliner News Conference and Return to Earth

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Trudeau Accused of Sowing Divisions Between Sikhs and Hindus

Published

2 days ago

2024-11-06

Geoff Thomas

Pierre Poilievre, the Conservative Leader, has accused Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of sowing “divisions” that culminated in the violent altercation between Sikh separatists and Hindu devotees outside a Hindu temple in Brampton, Ontario.

Justin Trudeau initiated the question period by condemning Poilievre’s reticence regarding the violence in South Asian communities as “deafening.”

Poilievre refuted the assertion by accusing Trudeau of exploiting the matter to divert attention from domestic economic concerns.

“Consequently, he implements divisions in his residence.” Poilievre stated, “These divisions are the consequence of his actions.”

“Currently, sectarian riots are occurring on the streets of Brampton.” This has never occurred before the tenure of this prime minister. Is he accountable for the divisions he has incited and the ensuing violence?

Trudeau Must Assume Responsibility

Mr. Pierre Poilievre, the Conservative Leader, requested that the Prime Minister assume responsibility for the divisions and violence in Canada. In response, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addressed Poilievre’s refusal to obtain security clearance to review foreign interference documents.

Trudeau, who has frequently employed a phrase in the question period recently, urged Poilievre to undergo the security clearance procedure to receive a briefing from Canada’s intelligence and security agencies regarding potential threats to the country.

Trudeau’s remarks exacerbate an already precarious police situation, which has the potential to further deteriorate the diplomatic relationship between Canada and India.

Police dispersed a second day of demonstrations outside a Hindu temple in Brampton, Ontario, on Monday. The temple has been the site of violent clashes that have resulted in arrests and a public safety alert.

During the Indian consular officials’ visit to the Hindu Sabha Mandir temple in Brampton on Sunday at midday, violence erupted.

Peel Regional Police issued a public safety alert on Monday evening regarding the presence of weapons at a demonstration near a Hindu temple in Brampton, Ont. The demonstration had been the site of violent clashes between demonstrators the previous day.

Canada India Tensions

Social media videos depict demonstrators holding banners in support of Pro-Khalistan separatism, a proposed independent Sikh homeland in northern India, and engaging in physical altercations with other individuals, some of whom are holding India’s national flag.

Later, an off-duty Sergeant of the Peel police in Brampton, Ontario, was identified as one of the pro-Khalistan protesters.

In the interim, the violence prompted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make a rare comment during a period of escalating diplomatic tensions between the two countries.

“I unequivocally condemn the intentional destruction of a Hindu temple in Canada.” “The cowardly attempts to intimidate our diplomats are equally appalling,” he shared on social media.

No amount of violence will ever undermine India’s resolve. We anticipate that the Canadian government will maintain the rule of law and ensure justice.

Last September, Trudeau expressed that there were credible allegations that the Indian government was involved in the assassination of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada, which marked the beginning of the deterioration of relations between the two countries. India has vigorously denied the charge.

Geoff Thomas

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Police Officer Suspended for Joining Pro-Khalistan Protest

Published

2 days ago

2024-11-06

Geoff Thomas

A Brampton, Ontario, police officer was suspended on Monday following the viralization of a video on social media that showed him participating in a pro-Khalistan protest outside a Hindu temple.

According to CBC News, the suspended Peel Regional Police officer, Harinder Sohi, was videotaped brandishing a Khalistan flag while other participants in the protest chanted anti-India slogans. He was not wearing a police uniform.

Sohi served as a Sergeant for the Peel Regional Police.

In an email to CBC News, Media Relations Officer Richard Chin informed the organization that it is “aware of a video circulating on social media that depicts an off-duty Peel Police officer participating in a demonstration.”

“This officer has since been suspended in accordance with the Community Safety and Policing Act,” according to him.

“We are investigating the circumstances in totality depicted in the video and are unable to provide further information until this investigation is complete.”

Peel Regional Police have previously stated that three individuals have been charged in connection with the violence that occurred during the visit of Indian consular officials to the Hindu Sabha Mandir temple on Sunday.

Social media videos appear to depict demonstrators holding banners in support of Khalistan, a proposed independent Sikh homeland in northern India, and engaging in a physical altercation with other individuals, some of whom are holding India’s national flag.

The videos appear to depict fist battles and individuals striking each other with poles on the grounds outside the Hindu Sabha Mandir temple.

According to Peel police, the event was ultimately relocated to two additional locations in the neighboring city of Mississauga, where additional demonstrations were also conducted.

Peel police acknowledged the protest on Sunday at noon and announced that they had increased their presence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir temple to preserve public safety and order.

“We acknowledge the right to peacefully and safely protest; however, we will not tolerate criminal activities or violence,” stated Chief Nishan Duraiappah in response to the videos’ dissemination.

“Those that do participate in this activity will be pursued, arrested, and charged.”

The violence elicited condemnations from Canadian political leaders at all levels of government and also prompted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make a rare comment during a period of escalating diplomatic tensions between the two countries.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his concern regarding the “deliberate attack” and requested accountability from the Canadian government, which Justin Trudeau heads. He anticipated that the government would uphold the rule of law and ensure justice.

PM Modi expressed his strong condemnation of the deliberately targeted assault on a Hindu temple in Canada in a post on X. The contemptible endeavors to intimidate our diplomats are equally repulsive. No amount of violence will ever be able to undermine India’s resolve.

In the interim, the Minister of External Affairs (MEA) expressed its “profound concern” regarding the safety and security of Indian nationals in Canada, and it anticipates that those who engage in violence will be prosecuted.

The Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton, Ontario, was the site of violent acts committed by separatists and extremists yesterday. We condemn these actions. “We urge the Canadian government to guarantee that all places of worship are safeguarded from such attacks,” stated Randhir Jaiswal, the spokesperson for the MEA.

India Slams Trudeau Over Pro-Khalistani Sikhs Attack

India Slams Trudeau Over Pro-Khalistani Sikhs Attacking Canadian Hindus

Geoff Thomas

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Pro-Khalistanis Sikhs Attack Hindu Temple in Brampton

Published

4 days ago

2024-11-04

Geoff Thomas

Pro-Khalistanis Sikhs, Hindu Temple, Brampton, Ontario

Pro-Khalistanis Sikhs attack Hindu Temple in Bramption Ontario.

Police in Brampton, Ontario, were summoned to the Hindu Temple after a group of pro-Khalistanis Sikhs attacked Hindu worshipers on Sunday. According to the Hindu Canadian Foundation, supporters of the Khalistaani movement in Canada helped to carry out the “attack.”

Following its posting on X, a video of the attack with demonstrators brandishing Khalistan flags at the Hindu Temple’s front entrance quickly became viral, inciting indignation among the Hindu community in Canada and India.

Chandra Arya, a Liberal MP from Canada, denounced the violence and claimed that under the country’s “freedom of expression,” extremists are getting away with it.

According to Arya, he began to think there might be some truth to the claims that Khalistanis have successfully infiltrated Canada’s law enforcement forces and political machinery.

Today, Canadian Khalistani fanatics have crossed a line. The attack by Khalistanis on Hindu-Canadian worshipers within the Hindu Sabha temple’s grounds demonstrates the extent and blatantness of Khalistani violent extremism in Canada.

In a post on X, he stated, “I start to believe that there is a sliver of truth in the reports that Khalistanis have successfully infiltrated not only our political apparatus but also our law enforcement agencies.”

It is understandable why Khalistani fanatics are receiving a free pass in Canada under the guise of “freedom of expression.” As I’ve been saying for a while, Hindu Canadians must stand up, defend their rights, and hold politicians responsible for the safety and security of our community,” he continued.

Peel Regional Police said they were aware of the demonstration in the city’s northeast and are investigating the situation.

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms states, “We respect the individual right to protest, but it is still our duty and responsibility to maintain public order and ensure everyone’s safety. ” Therefore, we request the public’s help participating in and supporting a nonviolent and legal protest.

Peel police warned that any acts of violence, threats of violence, or vandalism would be looked into and said they would be more visible and present to keep an eye on the situation.

Taking his X account, Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown also conveyed his dissatisfaction after learning of the “acts of violence” outside the Hindu Sabha.

“In Canada, religious freedom is a fundamental virtue. In their house of worship, everyone ought to feel secure. Brown stated in his letter that he is “completely confident that Peel police will do everything in their authority to keep the peace and hold those accountable who commit acts of violence.” “I strongly condemn any acts of violence outside of a place of worship,” Brown added.

“The violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton was unacceptable,” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also posted on X.

Every Canadian has the right to freely and securely follow their religion. “Swiftly responding to protect the community and investigate this incident” was how he praised the cops.

As Ottawa frequently rejected New Delhi’s demands for tough measures against Khalistani radicals in Canada, the incident took place during a time of poor relations between India and Canada. Instead, it sparked a huge diplomatic dispute by accusing India of targeting Khalistani people inside its borders.