NASA recently provided an update on the status of astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who are currently “stuck” at the International Space Station (ISS) due to issues with Boeing’s Starliner capsule. The original plan was for Wilmore and Williams to visit the ISS for about a week and return in mid-June. However, thruster failures and helium leaks on the Starliner have extended their stay.
NASA’s commercial crew program manager, Steve Stich, mentioned that mission managers are still working on resolving the problems with the Starliner and have not yet announced a return date for the astronauts. The main objective is to bring Wilmore and Williams back safely aboard the Starliner, but backup options, such as using SpaceX’s Dragon capsule, are also being considered.
The issues with the Starliner capsule include thruster failures and helium leaks, with engineers working on understanding the root causes of these problems. Five thrusters failed as the capsule approached the ISS, but four have since been reactivated. Further analysis is needed to determine the exact reasons behind the degraded seals causing the leaks and thruster malfunctions.
Boeing’s Mark Nappi mentioned that testing on the capsule’s thrusters will be conducted while it is docked at the ISS to gather more data. Each of the 28 maneuvering thrusters is small and lightweight, while the capsule also has larger engines for reentry into Earth’s atmosphere. These issues are being addressed to ensure the safety of future flights.
After the retirement of the space shuttles, NASA turned to private companies like Boeing and SpaceX for astronaut transportation to the ISS. Boeing’s Starliner has faced several setbacks, with the current mission being the first test flight with a crew on board. SpaceX, on the other hand, has been successfully ferrying astronauts since 2020.
SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rockets recently faced a temporary grounding due to an upper-stage failure, which could potentially impact upcoming crew flights. The delay in Falcon 9 operations might cause further disruptions in the schedule for transporting astronauts to and from the ISS.
In conclusion, NASA and Boeing are working diligently to address the issues with the Starliner capsule to ensure the safe return of astronauts Wilmore and Williams. Backup options are being considered, and SpaceX’s Dragon capsule remains a viable alternative for future missions. The collaboration between NASA and private companies continues to be crucial for maintaining a presence in space and supporting ongoing research at the ISS.
