The Boeing space capsule experienced further leaks during its first test flight with astronauts as it approached the International Space Station on Thursday.

The Starliner capsule had already experienced a small helium leak when it launched into orbit on Wednesday, and Boeing and NASA officials were confident in their ability to manage the propulsion system despite the issue, and further leaks were unlikely. However, just a few hours after the flight, two additional leaks occurred. There was no immediate news on the size of these new leaks.

Despite the problem, mission managers continued to move forward with the docking at noon with the space station while monitoring the issue. Mission control said that the leaks were not expected to affect the schedule.

Helium is used to pressurize the Starliner’s fuel lines, which is essential for maneuvering. Before launch, engineers had put a plan in place to deal with any additional leaks in the system. The defective rubber seal, no larger than a shirt button, is believed to be responsible for the original leak.

After the retirement of the space shuttles, NASA contracted Boeing and SpaceX to transport astronauts to and from the space station. SpaceX's taxi service started in 2020. Boeing was supposed to begin around the same time, but it was delayed for years due to safety concerns and other issues.

Boeing finally launched from Florida on Wednesday with NASA test pilots Butch Wilmore and Sonny Williams.

Boeing plans to keep Starliner at the space station for at least eight days before directing it to land in the western United States.