The return of NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry “Butch” Wilmore aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft has been delayed indefinitely as engineers work to resolve several technical issues with the spacecraft’s propulsion system. The mission, originally scheduled to return after about eight days, now remains docked at the International Space Station (ISS) while teams troubleshoot helium leaks and thruster malfunctions.
Before Boeing’s first crewed flight with the Starliner earlier this month, both the company and NASA emphasized the rigorous testing program that had been implemented following years of delays and setbacks. However, despite these preparations, the mission has encountered significant challenges. The priority now is to ensure the astronauts’ safe return to Earth, reflecting the high stakes for both Boeing’s future in space and NASA’s crew transportation needs.
During the mission, five of the spacecraft’s small thrusters stopped working as Starliner approached the ISS on June 6. Additionally, the spacecraft has experienced a series of small helium leaks, which have delayed the return schedule. Initially set for June 18, the return was pushed back to June 26, and then delayed again to later in July. NASA has stated that the helium leaks do not pose a risk to the return, and the spacecraft remains capable of bringing the crew back safely in case of an emergency.
The Starliner’s successful certification for regular crew rotation missions hinges on resolving these technical issues. Once the current mission is completed, NASA and Boeing will undertake a comprehensive certification process to authorize the spacecraft for regular missions with a full crew. This certification is essential for Starliner to join SpaceX’s Dragon in serving as a reliable transportation system to the ISS.
The stakes are particularly high for Boeing, which has faced years of setbacks and cost overruns amounting to $1.5 billion. The company needs the Starliner to begin flying regular missions to start recouping development costs and generate revenue. The certification process is critical for Boeing’s ability to fulfill its $4.2 billion contract with NASA.
NASA has expressed its need for a second American transportation system to the ISS, stressing the importance of having redundancy in case one system is grounded. SpaceX has been the sole provider of this service since 2020, but NASA’s strategic plans include both Starliner and Dragon to ensure continuous crew rotation and mission support.
The technical delays faced by the Starliner are being addressed with meticulous care. Engineers have test-fired the thrusters while the spacecraft remains docked to the ISS and are using ground-based simulators to diagnose the issues. The service module, which houses the propulsion system, will be jettisoned and burned up upon re-entry, making it imperative to gather as much data as possible while the hardware is still accessible.
NASA and Boeing officials have repeatedly stressed the importance of safety and thoroughness in resolving these issues. Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, stated, “We are taking our time and following our standard mission management team process. We are letting the data drive our decision making relative to managing the small helium system leaks and thruster performance we observed during rendezvous and docking.”
Former NASA astronaut Mike Massimino highlighted the importance of addressing these technical challenges comprehensively. He noted that while the current focus is on ensuring the safe return of the astronauts, the data collected during this mission will be crucial for future certification and mission planning.
Williams and Wilmore, both seasoned astronauts, are reportedly content with their extended stay aboard the ISS. Their prolonged mission provides additional opportunities for scientific research and data collection, which are valuable for ongoing space exploration efforts.
As the space community closely monitors the situation, the resolution of the Starliner’s technical issues will play a critical role in determining the future of Boeing’s space endeavors and NASA’s crewed missions. The lessons learned from this mission will contribute to the ongoing quest for safe and reliable space travel.
Stay tuned for further updates as NASA and Boeing work towards resolving the issues and ensuring the successful completion of this historic mission. The commitment to safety and excellence remains at the forefront of this collaborative effort to advance human space exploration.