What is helium and why is it used in rockets: two NASA astronauts are stuck on the ISS due to its leakage

Two NASA astronauts aboard a Boeing Starliner will remain on the International Space Station for months. They were stranded in space due to a malfunction of the propulsion system, one of the problems of which was a helium leak.

Helium is an inert gas that is tasteless, colorless, and odorless. Its atomic number is 2, making it the second lightest element after hydrogen. Rockets must reach a certain speed and altitude to reach and maintain orbit. This and more is described in the article on the Reuters website.

A heavier rocket requires more power, not only increasing fuel consumption, but also requiring more powerful engines - which are more expensive to develop, test, and maintain.

Helium also has a very low boiling point (-268.9°C), which allows it to remain a gas even in an ultra-cold environment. This is an important feature because many rocket fuels are stored in this temperature range.

This gas is non-toxic, but it cannot be breathed on its own, as it displaces the oxygen needed for human breathing.

How is helium used?

Helium is used to create pressure in the fuel tanks, ensuring an uninterrupted supply of fuel to the rocket's engines and cooling systems. When the fuel and oxidizer are burned in rocket engines, helium fills the empty space in the tanks, maintaining the overall pressure inside. Since it is not reactive, it can be safely mixed with the residual contents of the tanks.

Is helium prone to leakage?

The small atomic size and low molecular weight of helium means that its atoms can escape through small cracks or seals in storage tanks and fuel systems. But because there is very little helium in the Earth's atmosphere, leaks can be easily detected, making the gas important for identifying potential malfunctions in a rocket or spacecraft's fuel systems.

American astronauts Barry Wilmore and Suni Williams are forced to stay on the International Space Station due to technical problems with the Boeing Starliner. They will be able to return to Earth only in February 2025. Initially, their mission was supposed to last only 8 days. Due to the long stay on the ISS, astronauts risk irreversible changes in their bodies. Experts warn that they may suffer from various ailments: from muscle atrophy and fractures to vision problems.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!