Boeing Starliner Returns Empty as Crew Remains in Space
Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, which has been docked to the Harmony module of the International Space Station since July 3, is set to return home on September 6. However, the return will be without the crew that originally accompanied it. The scheduled return date was delayed by more than 12 weeks. In a statement released by NASA, it was announced that Starliner will undock from the ISS around 6 p.m. ET, pending weather conditions and operational readiness. The spacecraft is expected to touch down in a landing zone in New Mexico shortly after midnight before it heads back to Boeing’s Starliner factory at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
The crew members who flew aboard Starliner back in June, astronauts Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Sunita “Suni” Williams, will remain at the International Space Station. They are slated to return in a capsule built by a competing company, SpaceX, in February. The empty spacecraft will undertake the journey home autonomously, as confirmed by NASA. The agency stated that Starliner has successfully demonstrated its ability to undock and land safely without a crew during two previous orbital flight tests. Flight controllers at both Starliner Mission Control in Houston and Boeing Mission Control Center in Florida will monitor the spacecraft’s flight during its return next week.
After a series of delays, Boeing’s Starliner took off on June 5 for what was meant to be an eight-day mission at the space station. Despite a successful launch, the spacecraft encountered troubles shortly after. NASA reported that Starliner suffered multiple helium leaks and five of its “Reaction Control System” thrusters unexpectedly shut down. Engineers conducted tests over the following weeks to ensure the safe return of Williams and Wilmore to Earth. Last week, NASA announced that SpaceX will be responsible for bringing the astronauts back, dealing a significant blow to the Boeing Starliner program.
SpaceX has a track record of providing successful taxi services to and from the space station over the years. Williams and Wilmore will join a SpaceX crew, with their capsule scheduled to travel to the ISS next month and return in February. To accommodate the returning astronauts, NASA announced that its astronauts Zena Cardman and Stephanie Wilson will not be part of the upcoming SpaceX mission on September 24, while NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov are still scheduled to fly.
The decision to switch the return of the crew from Boeing’s Starliner to SpaceX was made in the interest of safety, according to NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing safety in light of past tragedies that resulted in the loss of two space shuttles and their crews. “Our core value is safety and it is our North Star,” Nelson stated. In response to the decision, a spokesperson from Boeing reaffirmed the company’s commitment to prioritizing the safety of the crew and spacecraft. They stated that Boeing is following NASA’s directives and preparing the spacecraft for a safe and successful uncrewed return.
Challenges Faced by Boeing Starliner
Boeing’s Starliner has encountered several challenges throughout its mission to the International Space Station. The spacecraft experienced helium leaks, which are crucial for maintaining pressure in the spacecraft’s propulsion system. Additionally, the shutdown of five “Reaction Control System” thrusters posed a significant issue, as these thrusters are responsible for maneuvering the spacecraft in space. These technical difficulties prompted engineers to conduct thorough tests to ensure the safety of the returning crew members.
The delays and technical issues faced by Boeing’s Starliner have raised concerns about the reliability of the spacecraft. NASA’s decision to switch the return of the crew to SpaceX highlights the importance of having backup plans and contingency measures in place for space missions. While setbacks are not uncommon in space exploration, they serve as valuable lessons for improving technology and ensuring the safety of astronauts.
The Role of SpaceX in Crewed Missions
SpaceX has emerged as a key player in crewed missions to the International Space Station, providing reliable transportation services for astronauts. The company’s Crew Dragon spacecraft has successfully completed multiple missions to the ISS, demonstrating its capabilities in safely transporting crew members to and from the space station. SpaceX’s partnership with NASA has been instrumental in advancing human spaceflight capabilities and expanding opportunities for international collaboration in space exploration.
The decision to have Williams and Wilmore return to Earth on a SpaceX capsule underscores the confidence that NASA has in SpaceX’s ability to execute crewed missions effectively. SpaceX’s proven track record in crewed spaceflight operations, combined with its innovative technology and expertise, makes it a trusted partner for NASA in ensuring the safety and success of space missions. As commercial space companies like SpaceX continue to play a significant role in crewed space exploration, the future of human spaceflight looks promising with new possibilities for scientific research and space exploration endeavors.
Overall, the return of Boeing’s Starliner without its crew members highlights the complexities and challenges involved in human spaceflight missions. While setbacks and technical issues are part of the space exploration journey, the commitment to safety and the resilience of the aerospace industry are essential in overcoming obstacles and advancing the frontiers of space exploration. As NASA and its commercial partners continue to work together to push the boundaries of human spaceflight, the quest for deeper space exploration and scientific discovery remains a shared goal that drives innovation and collaboration in the space industry.
