Imagine being stuck in space – this is the reality for astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore as NASA has postponed their return from the International Space Station (ISS), where they have been stationed after engineers discovered several glitches with Boeing’s Starliner aircraft they travelled in. Initially scheduled for June 13, their return has been delayed to allow more time to review technical issues with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft. Williams and Wilmore, who launched from Florida on June 5 and arrived at the ISS on June 7, will stay in space until the issues are resolved.
Whistleblowers are claiming that NASA and Boeing managers associated with the space mission knew in advance that there were technical glitches on the spacecraft such as helium leaks but turned a blind eye to these and continued with their plans as they thought the matter was too minor to delay the implementation of the project. Around 20 whistleblowers have reportedly claimed that NASA was too casual about the technical glitches and ignored them from the beginning.
Both astronauts remain safe on the International Space Station (ISS) despite facing delays in their return. The Starliner, on its maiden mission, has encountered glitches including problems with the small rockets for re-entry and Helium leaks.
The Boeing Starliner’s first crewed mission, which faced three launch attempts, is crucial for providing an alternative to SpaceX’s Crew Dragon. Despite ongoing technical issues and delays, Boeing remains optimistic, with program manager Mark Nappi noting that the astronauts are “overwhelmingly positive.”
The change of plan is said to be due to two scheduled spacewalks on June 24 and July 2. Ongoing tests and issues raise doubts about the Starliner’s ability to safely complete the six-hour return trip.
Boeing Starliner’s test flight:
During the previous two test flights without humans on board, the Boeing Starliner experienced five failures among its 28 manoeuvring thrusters. Additionally, there were reports of five helium gas leaks and a slow-moving propellant valve, according to reports.
Despite concerns about Boeing’s Starliner safely returning astronauts, NASA asserts confidence in the spacecraft’s capability. It is scheduled to land using parachutes in New Mexico soon. Originally poised to compete with SpaceX’s Crew Dragon, which has been ferrying astronauts to the ISS since early 2020, Starliner faces challenges, including a helium leak known before mission approval. NASA must address this promptly with limited fuel remaining for the return journey. Boeing’s development costs for Starliner have exceeded $1.5 billion over its $4.5 billion contract with NASA, aiming to establish itself as a viable ISS transport alternative.
Persistent leaks pose a significant threat to the future of Boeing’s Starliner program and could further damage Boeing’s reputation in the aerospace industry.
Due to limited fuel in the Harmony module, Boeing’s Starliner has a 45-day window for a safe return flight, with 25 days left after 20 days in orbit. NASA and Boeing prioritise astronaut safety, delaying return until all issues are resolved. Boeing’s Mark Nappi noted positive crew feedback and benefits for future missions. With ISS supplies and schedule flexibility until mid-August, no rush exists for departure, pending NASA’s readiness review for a new return timeline.
What are the other options for a safe return?
If nothing works out in the end there is a possibility of using SpaceX’s Crew Dragon to bring astronauts Wilmore and Williams back from the ISS if Boeing’s Starliner cannot safely return them to Earth. While this scenario would be embarrassing for Boeing, NASA and Boeing officials, along with engineers, suggest that current issues with Starliner do not indicate this will be necessary. The severity of Starliner’s technical challenges will influence its outcome in such a scenario. The last time NASA astronauts needed backup transportation was in 2022 due to a coolant leak on Russia’s Soyuz spacecraft after arriving at the ISS.
The situation could get critical and needs truly be taken on priority to bring back the astronauts safely to Earth. So, what if you get a chance to go out into space to explore, would you like to go for it? Let us know in the comments.
