Boeing's Starliner capsule, currently docked at the International Space Station (ISS), is experiencing significant technical issues that have disrupted the original schedule for returning its two astronauts, Barry \"Butch\" Wilmore and Sunita \"Suni\" Williams, to Earth. The mission, critical to the future of Boeing's space division, has been rescheduled three times by NASA, with no definitive return date set yet.
Since its liftoff on June 5, Starliner has encountered five helium leaks, five maneuvering thrusters failures, and a propellant valve that failed to close completely. These problems have required the crew and mission managers in Houston to implement last-minute fixes and conduct extensive tests, delaying the mission's completion.
The Current Situation
According to NASA's commercial crew manager Steve Stich, Starliner can remain docked at the ISS for up to 45 days. However, if necessary, it could extend to 72 days using backup systems. Internally, NASA has targeted a return date of July 6, which would extend the mission from eight days to nearly a month.
The core issues with Starliner revolve around its expendable propulsion system, part of the capsule's service module. Problems such as overheated thrusters and recurring helium leaks have hindered the capsule's ability to undock and re-enter Earth's atmosphere safely. Recent test-firings of the thrusters have provided some confidence in a safe return, but ongoing tests and data analysis continue to shape the mission's future.
Once cleared for return, Starliner would use its thrusters to undock from the ISS and embark on a six-hour journey home, culminating in a controlled descent through Earth's atmosphere and landing in the southwestern United States with the aid of parachutes and airbags.
This mission marks Starliner's first orbital flight carrying astronauts, serving as the final test before NASA can certify it as the second commercial spacecraft for transporting astronauts to the ISS, alongside SpaceX's Crew Dragon.
If the Unexpected Happens
Despite the propulsion issues, NASA has indicated that Starliner could still return the astronauts if absolutely necessary, such as in an emergency evacuation from the ISS. However, alternative methods would be considered if Starliner becomes incapable of fulfilling its mission safely.
If Starliner Cannot Be Used
In the unlikely event that Starliner cannot safely return Wilmore and Williams, NASA could utilize SpaceX's Crew Dragon as an alternative rescue vehicle. This scenario, while possible, has not been indicated as necessary by NASA or Boeing officials based on current assessments.
The situation echoes past missions where alternative return methods were considered, such as the 2022 incident involving Russia's Soyuz capsule, which required NASA to rely on backup systems for astronaut return.
Reference(s):
How Boeing's Starliner can bring its astronauts back to Earth
cgtn.com
