Boeing’s Starliner capsule, which has been docked at the International Space Station (ISS) since early June, will return to Earth without the NASA astronauts it initially transported. This decision marks a significant change in plans for both NASA and Boeing. Instead of returning via Starliner, NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams will come back using SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft. The adjustment aligns with SpaceX’s upcoming Crew-9 mission, set to launch its ninth regular mission to the ISS for NASA on September 24.
Originally, Wilmore and Williams were scheduled to return shortly after their June arrival, but they will now extend their stay at the ISS by about six more months. Their return journey is planned for February aboard SpaceX’s Crew-9 vehicle. This extension and the switch to SpaceX are in response to the technical issues that have plagued the Starliner capsule.
The Starliner crew flight test was initially designed to be a short mission, lasting approximately nine days. However, this mission has encountered several obstacles, particularly with the capsule’s propulsion system. These issues have led NASA to take a cautious approach, prioritizing astronaut safety over adhering strictly to timelines. The propulsion system’s problems were significant enough to necessitate bringing Starliner back to Earth without crew members, despite the original intention to use it for their return.
NASA’s decision to bring Starliner back empty represents a pivot from its previous stance, where the agency viewed the Boeing capsule as the primary vehicle for returning the crew. The challenges faced during the Starliner mission have been pivotal in this change. NASA has emphasized the need to understand the root causes of the propulsion system failures and to implement design improvements. The goal is to ensure that Starliner can reliably contribute to NASA’s aim of having two competitive companies, Boeing and SpaceX, alternating missions to the ISS.
The ongoing technical difficulties have delayed the crew flight test, a crucial milestone in Boeing’s participation in NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. Despite these setbacks, NASA continues to support Boeing, affirming that Starliner will eventually meet the safety standards required for crewed missions. The agency will conduct another phase of its Flight Readiness Review to determine the appropriate time to bring Starliner back to Earth.
In contrast, SpaceX’s role has become even more vital with the Crew-9 mission adjustments. Originally planned to carry four astronauts, the Crew-9 vehicle will now accommodate only two astronauts to make room for Wilmore and Williams. This adjustment demonstrates SpaceX’s flexibility and readiness to support NASA’s objectives and underscores its reliability as a partner in the Commercial Crew Program.
Boeing has maintained confidence in Starliner’s safety, assuring that it could transport astronauts in an emergency. However, the decision to leave the capsule unmanned reflects a different risk assessment from NASA, which has been more conservative in its approach. The differences in evaluating the situation underscore the complexities involved in human spaceflight and the challenges of ensuring safety in an environment as unforgiving as space.
The Starliner capsule, named “Calypso,” has been stationed at the ISS since its June arrival, during which time NASA and Boeing have been working to understand the propulsion system failures better. The thrusters, a critical component of the spacecraft’s propulsion system, are essential for a safe re-entry and landing. The identified issues with these thrusters have been a central concern for NASA, prompting the decision to delay the crewed return and opt for SpaceX’s Dragon instead.
Boeing’s future in NASA’s Commercial Crew Program hangs in the balance as the company works to resolve these issues. The financial impact has been significant, with Boeing absorbing over $1.5 billion in losses due to the delays and technical problems. However, NASA remains optimistic that Starliner will eventually fulfill its role, ensuring that the United States maintains independent and reliable access to the ISS with multiple partners.
As NASA and Boeing continue to address these challenges, the safety of astronauts remains the paramount concern, guiding every decision in this complex and evolving mission.