Boeing's Starliner is making headlines this week as it prepares for its uncrewed return from the International Space Station (ISS), but what should have been the triumphant conclusion of its maiden crewed mission has turned complicated. Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, both stationed aboard the ISS since June, will be left behind as the Starliner makes its way back to Earth empty. This has raised many questions surrounding the spacecraft's safety and efficacy, as well as its relationship with NASA.
Scheduled for undocking on September 6, 2024, at around 6:04 PM EDT, the Starliner will head back to White Sands Space Harbor, New Mexico, where it is expected to land early the next day. The spacecraft was initially marked for what NASA had anticipated to be just over a week of operation, but several issues have cropped up, leading to both delays and the decision to forego bringing Williams and Wilmore back on this flight.
Both astronauts have been part of this landmark mission, known as the Crew Flight Test (CFT), which tested Boeing's capability to carry astronauts to the ISS after years of development and setbacks. While the Starliner initially planned to return its crew, it soon became apparent through testing and discussions between Boeing and NASA officials, including some intense debates, about the vessel's current condition.
Over weeks of deliberation, NASA determined it was not safe for the two astronauts to return aboard the troubled craft. Citing unresolved technical issues, including malfunctioning thrusters and helium leaks, NASA officials prioritized safety and instead opted for the plan to have them remain on the ISS until they could be rescued by SpaceX's Crew-9 mission scheduled for later this month.
This decision did not sit well with Boeing, whose executives felt confident the Starliner could safely bring the astronauts home. Steve Stich, NASA’s commercial crew director, acknowledged the differences of opinion, saying, “Boeing believed in the model they had created to predict thruster degradation, but we saw limitations.” The conflicting views became so stark during discussions about the astronauts’ return on Starliner, the situation was described as having had "tension in the room,” signaling disagreements about the paths forward.
Despite Boeing's insistence about its spacecraft's readiness, NASA's HQ approached the situation more conservatively. They decided to conduct extensive risk analyses of potential failure modes, opting for the more cautious route of leaving the crew until it could be assured their safe recovery.
Williams and Wilmore will have spent close to eight months aboard the ISS. Originally expecting just days, now their extended stay may last until February 2025 when they will finally return via SpaceX’s Crew Dragon.
Operations aboard the ISS are still progressing and both astronauts are engaged with their duties, conducting experiments and maintaining the station as they await rescue. The long-term nature of their stay is not unprecedented but certainly unusual for astronauts who are typically onboard the ISS for shorter durations. NASA appointed this upcoming Crew-9 mission, which is set to launch on September 24, to bring both men home, making way for two additional crew members on the SpaceX flight.
Meanwhile, back on Earth, the Starliner is slated for its planned return. It's expected to undock around 6:04 PM EDT, engage its braking technology, and land using parachutes about six hours later—if everything goes as planned. Boeing and NASA will be closely monitoring the spacecraft as it makes its final descent.
The Starliner faces scrutiny from the public and aerospace analysts alike during its re-entry phase. NASA will livestream the landing, which gives the public access to see how the spacecraft performs disconnected from its crew. While the Starliner will touch down empty, the mission reflects on the broader challenges facing Boeing. If landing goes smoothly, it will lead to ground testing and necessary improvements to the craft before it can be deemed certified for future crewed missions.
The stakes are high for Boeing, as they could stand to lose significant contracts with NASA due to the mixed results derived from this testing mission. Speculation suggests this could impact future contracts potentially costing the company over $2 billion. The pressure is palpable, and the coming days will be pivotal for Boeing’s reputation as they grapple with the consequences of another rocky chapter with the Starliner. Questions remain about the safety protocols put forth by the manufacturer and if the engineering insights leading up to the spacecraft's delays could be improved for more straightforward human spaceflight.
The story doesn’t end with Starliner’s return this week. The competitive race to resume reliable crew transport to the ISS now sits squarely on Boeing's shoulders, all eyes on their next steps for both the spacecraft and the astronauts still living and working at the International Space Station.
With the increased focus on ensuring safer travel to the stars, what's next for both Boeing and NASA hinges not just on technical success, but also on cooperative relations advocated through communication and consensus. If this trip culminates successfully, then maybe Starliner will still have the time and trust to bounce back following these unexpected misadventures.
We’re going to keep our eyes peeled as the Starliner undertakes its uncrewed return, and we’ll be watching closely as the astronauts aboard the ISS continue their brave venture.
