Boeing Starliner Astronauts Could Be Stuck Until 2025, Returning On SpaceX, Says NASA

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NASA is evaluating a backup plan to use SpaceX for returning astronauts currently aboard the ISS on Boeing’s Starliner due to safety concerns. NASA is considering the option to have SpaceX launch a crew vehicle with two open seats for a return in 2025.
Boeing Starliner Astronauts Could Be Stuck Until 2025

NASA’s collaboration with Boeing on the Starliner spacecraft has encountered significant challenges, prompting the agency to explore a backup plan involving SpaceX. With recent technical difficulties and safety concerns, NASA is considering using SpaceX to return the astronauts currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS) on Starliner. Initially planned as a short mission, the astronauts’ stay could now extend into 2025. 

The Current Situation

Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, designed to transport astronauts to and from the ISS, has faced multiple issues during its latest mission. Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who flew to the ISS on June 6, 2024, were expected to return after a week-long mission. However, multiple thruster failures and helium leaks in the propulsion system have extended their stay indefinitely.

NASA and Boeing have been working tirelessly to resolve these issues. Despite Boeing’s assurance that Starliner is ready for the return trip, NASA officials are not entirely convinced. The agency’s growing discomfort with Starliner’s readiness has led to the consideration of a backup plan involving SpaceX.

Technical Challenges with Starliner

  • Thruster Failures: Several thrusters on Starliner failed during the mission, raising concerns about the spacecraft’s ability to safely return to Earth. These thrusters are crucial for positioning Starliners in space, particularly during the deorbiting process.
  • Helium Leaks: The propulsion system’s helium leaks further complicate the situation. Helium is essential for maintaining pressure in the system, which is necessary for the thrusters to function correctly.
  • Overheating Issues: Ground tests revealed that overheating caused some thrusters to automatically shut down. This was traced back to a Teflon seal warping and restricting propellant flow, weakening the thrusters’ performance.

The Backup Plan: SpaceX to the Rescue

Given the unresolved issues with Starliner, NASA is considering using SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft to bring Williams and Wilmore back to Earth. This plan would involve SpaceX launching a crew vehicle to the ISS with two open seats, potentially in September 2024, and returning in early 2025.

Ken Bowersox, NASA’s associate administrator for space operations, emphasized that this is just a contingency plan, and no final decision has been made. However, the increasing concerns over Starliner’s readiness have made this alternative more viable.

Implications for NASA and Boeing

This situation presents several implications for both NASA and Boeing:

  • Extended Stay for Astronauts: If NASA decides to go with SpaceX, Williams, and Wilmore will remain on the ISS until SpaceX’s vehicle departs in early 2025. This extended stay would allow them to continue their scientific research and equipment maintenance on the ISS.
  • Impact on Boeing: A decision to use SpaceX for the return trip would be a significant setback for Boeing. It would highlight the technical challenges Boeing has faced with Starliner and could affect their future contracts and reputation in the aerospace industry.
  • NASA’s Dual-Supplier Strategy: NASA’s initial goal was to have both Boeing and SpaceX as reliable partners for transporting astronauts to and from the ISS. The current situation underscores the importance of having multiple options but also highlights the challenges of ensuring both suppliers meet NASA’s stringent safety standards.

Future Prospects

Despite the current challenges, both NASA and Boeing are committed to resolving the issues with Starliner. Boeing has stated that they will take the necessary actions to configure Starliner for an uncrewed return if required. This would allow for further testing and improvements without risking astronaut safety.

Boeing Starliner Astronauts Could Be Stuck Until 2025

A History of Setbacks

The Starliner program has been plagued by delays and technical issues since its inception. Initially planned to be a competitive counterpart to SpaceX’s Crew Dragon, Starliner has faced numerous obstacles that have hindered its progress.

  • Initial Development Delays: Since its development began over a decade ago, Starliner has struggled with costly technical hurdles, putting the spacecraft behind schedule.
  • First Crewed Flight: Despite these challenges, Starliner completed its first crewed flight to the ISS in June 2024, carrying astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore. This mission was intended to demonstrate Starliner’s capabilities and secure final certification from NASA.
  • Ongoing Issues: However, the mission has been extended due to the discovery of multiple thruster failures and helium leaks. Ground tests have further revealed overheating issues that need to be addressed.

The Role of SpaceX

SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk, has become a crucial partner for NASA in recent years. With its Crew Dragon spacecraft, SpaceX has successfully transported astronauts to and from the ISS, demonstrating reliability and safety.

  • Crew Dragon’s Success: SpaceX completed its first crewed flight to the ISS over four years ago and has since been NASA’s sole U.S.-based option for launching crewed missions to low-Earth orbit.
  • Backup Plan: Given the current issues with Starliner, NASA is considering using SpaceX’s Crew Dragon as a backup plan. This would involve launching a crew vehicle to the ISS with two open seats for the return of Williams and Wilmore.

Potential Outcomes

The decision to use SpaceX for the return of Starliner astronauts would have significant implications for the future of space missions:

  • Safety First: NASA’s top priority is the safety of its astronauts. If the agency decides to use SpaceX, it would ensure the safe return of Williams and Wilmore, even if it means postponing the return until early 2025.
  • Impact on Boeing: This decision would be a blow to Boeing, highlighting the technical challenges and delays that have plagued the Starliner program. It could also affect Boeing’s future contracts with NASA and its reputation in the aerospace industry.
  • Future Collaborations: NASA’s consideration of SpaceX as a backup plan underscores the importance of having multiple reliable partners for space missions. It also highlights the challenges of ensuring both suppliers meet NASA’s stringent safety standards.

End Note

NASA’s potential shift to using SpaceX for returning Starliner astronauts underscores the complexities and challenges of space missions. While Boeing continues to work on resolving Starliner’s technical issues, NASA’s consideration of a backup plan with SpaceX ensures the safety of astronauts remains the top priority.

This situation also highlights the importance of having multiple reliable partners for space missions. As NASA continues to explore and expand human spaceflight capabilities, ensuring the reliability and safety of spacecraft will remain a critical focus.

By addressing the current challenges and considering all options, NASA is taking a prudent approach to ensure the success of its missions and the safety of its astronauts.

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