Boeing's Starliner spacecraft, which recently successfully transported National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) after several delays, is now facing challenges in bringing them back to Earth safely.
Click here to join us on WhatsApp
Here's what we know so far about the Boeing episode and the multiple launch delays and retaliatory delays that followed.
What is Boeing's Starliner?
Starliner is a “reusable spacecraft” that combines a proven capsule architecture with “21st century innovations.” Developed by Boeing in collaboration with NASA's Commercial Crew Program, the CST-100 Starliner is designed to accommodate up to seven passengers or a mix of crew and cargo for missions in low-Earth orbit.
For NASA service missions to the ISS, it will carry critical scientific research as well as up to four NASA-sponsored crew members. Starliner features an innovative weldless structure, enabling it to be reused up to 10 times with a six-month turnaround time.
It also has modern amenities like wireless internet and tablet technology for the crew.
“Starliner is laying the foundation for commercial passenger spaceflight services to and from low Earth orbit,” the company says on its website.
Starliner Mission Description and Crew Members
Astronauts Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams were aboard Boeing's Starliner spacecraft launched earlier this month.
Inside the International Space Station | Photo: NASA
Who is Sunita Williams?
Sunita Williams, 58, serves as the pilot for this crucial flight test. Williams' career has been filled with historic accomplishments. In 2012, she became the first person to complete a triathlon in space, using a weight-lifting machine to simulate swimming and a treadmill to run while secured to a harness. Five years earlier, in 2007, she ran the Boston Marathon from the ISS.
An experienced astronaut, Williams was commissioned as an Ensign in the United States Navy in 1987 and was selected as an astronaut by NASA in 1998. He previously served as a flight engineer on Expeditions 14/15 and 32, and later as commander of Expedition 33.
Who is Butch Wilmore?
Barry “Butch” Wilmore, 61, is the commander of this mission. Retired US Navy Captain Wilmore is also a veteran of two space flights, having spent 178 days in space. This mission aboard Boeing's Starliner is his third trip to the ISS.
Wilmore, who grew up in Tennessee, earned Bachelor’s and Master of Science degrees in electrical engineering from Tennessee Technological University, and a Master of Science degree in aviation systems from the University of Tennessee.
Why is the Starliner's return to Earth being delayed?
The helium leak and thruster malfunction have forced NASA and Boeing to delay the astronauts' return to Earth, which was previously scheduled for June 26. These technical problems require thorough investigation and resolution before the Starliner can safely re-enter Earth's atmosphere and land.
NASA program manager Steve Stich highlighted the importance of ensuring all systems are fully functional before the return trip.
Starliner delays could impact food and other resources
The astronauts are now expected to spend about 20 days in space, more than double the eight days initially planned.
Despite this extension, NASA has assured that the ISS has adequate stocks of food and other supplies, enough for at least four months.
The Starliner itself can stay at the ISS for up to 45 days, though future missions aim to stay for up to six months.
Safety and Contingency Plans for Starliner
In case of emergency, Starliner is able to return the crew to Earth. Currently, NASA and Boeing are taking the necessary time to thoroughly analyze the spacecraft's problems and eliminate them. Former NASA launch director Mike Leinbach emphasized that mission managers would not risk the safety of astronauts and would allow a return only when it was deemed safe.
Have space missions been extended before?
Extended missions on the ISS are not unprecedented. For example, NASA astronaut Frank Rubio returned to Earth in September after spending more than a year on the station due to problems with his return vehicle. This context highlights the importance of ensuring spacecraft reliability for safe crew transport.
Latest update on Starliner mission
According to Mark Nappe, Boeing's vice president overseeing the program, the current Starliner mission has successfully completed 77 of its 87 test objectives. However, resolving identified issues remains a priority.
Additionally, the company is facing external scrutiny, and Boeing's CEO recently apologized before Congress for quality issues affecting the jet maker that are unrelated to the Starliner program.
future space missions
NASA and Boeing are committed to overcoming the technical challenges facing Starliner. Successful resolution of these issues is critical not only to the current mission but also to the future of manned space flight missions operated by Boeing.
SpaceX's successful history with ISS missions, including its first astronaut mission in 2020, serves as a benchmark for Boeing. Despite the current setbacks, the collaborative effort between NASA and Boeing aims to ensure the safety and success of all future space missions.
Starliner mission timelines and delays
The Crew Flight Test faced multiple delays before a successful launch. The mission was originally scheduled for May 6, but was postponed two hours before launch because of a problem with a pressure regulation valve in the Centaur upper stage of the Atlas V rocket.
The launch date of May 17 was also canceled due to a helium leak in the spacecraft's service module.
Other complications included five helium leaks and a last-minute computer glitch on June 2 that forced the countdown to be halted three minutes and fifty seconds before launch.
Despite these setbacks, the mission ultimately launched on June 5, making Boeing the second private company, after SpaceX, to deliver a crew to the ISS.