The Boeing Starliner spacecraft, which marked its first crew test flight recently, has prompted a wave of discussions, excitement, and questions following its extended stay at the International Space Station (ISS). With the two astronauts, Commander Barry "Butch" Wilmore and Co-Pilot Sunita Williams, aboard, the mission was expected to last roughly eight days. However, due to unforeseen leaks and thruster issues, their return has been delayed indefinitely.
Launched on June 5, the Starliner mission was initially intended to serve as a critical step towards proving Boeing's spacecraft operational capabilities as part of NASA's Commercial Crew Program. The mission aimed to validate the technologies needed for safe transportation to and from the ISS. The astronauts had hoped to return in time for the Juneteenth holiday, but instead, they have found themselves extending their time in orbit.
Upon docking with the ISS, the crew quickly began executing planned operations. However, problems emerged almost immediately. The Starliner experienced several helium leaks in its propulsion system. Helium plays a vital role in pressurizing the propulsion system so that thrusters can fire accurately. Despite initial concerns, NASA concluded that the leaks did not jeopardize the spacecraft's overall safety, permitting the mission to continue.
Yet, the situation escalated when engineers discovered that multiple thrusters, crucial for maneuvering the spacecraft during docking and undocking, unexpectedly shut down or failed to fire at all. Five of the 28 thrusters within the Reaction Control System — responsible for navigation and stabilization — experienced malfunction, leaving the spacecraft temporarily stranded outside its docking port.
NASA quickly initiated troubleshooting procedures, and fortunately, four of the five thrusters were restored, allowing the spacecraft to dock successfully with the space station. However, in addition to the thruster issues, the number of helium leaks rose, complicating the return process.
NASA engineers are acutely aware that the Starliner spacecraft has faced a series of challenges even before this particular mission. Its troubled history includes a failed test flight in 2019, where timing errors led to underperformance in reaching the designated orbit. For that mission, the spacecraft was unable to dock at the ISS. Follow-up test flights in 2022 showed further problems when two thrusters did not fire during critical operations. The spacecraft's feedback prompted extensive reviews and modifications before Wilmore and Williams could strap themselves in.
Despite the current setbacks, the industry is watching the developments closely. Mark Nappi, Boeing's vice president of the Commercial Crew Program, emphasized that the crew is safe and comfortable aboard the ISS. "The crew is not in any danger and there’s no increased risk when we decide to bring Suni and Butch back to Earth," he reassured during a press conference.
Both astronauts have echoed sentiments of confidence regarding their spacecraft. Williams expressed her faith in the Starliner, stating, "I feel confident that if we had to, if there was a problem with the International Space Station, we can get in our spacecraft and we can undock, talk to our team, and figure out the best way to come home." Wilmore similarly stated, "We are actually doing thruster testing as we speak at White Sands, New Mexico, trying to replicate the problems we saw when we were rendezvousing," before ensuring families and the public that they remain in stable conditions.
Current assessments have led NASA to extended plans for further tests. Engineers will perform additional thruster evaluations at their White Sands Test Facility, which will simulate launch and docking maneuvers to analyze the system amidst various conditions and replicate previous malfunctions. The insights gained will determine when the astronauts can safely return to Earth.
"Once that testing is done, then we’ll look at the plan for landing," said Steve Stich, the program manager associated with NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. He indicated that the entire process could unfold over several weeks. There is hope that Wilmore and Williams could undock from the ISS by the end of July, but no official timeline has been set.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, the idea of the astronauts being considered "stranded" has circulated within public discourse and media channels. Boeing, along with space experts, has robustly opposed this characterization. "We’re not stuck on ISS," Nappi reiterated. "They’re not stuck in space," agreed Laura Forczyk, executive director of the space consulting group Astralytical. They both emphasized that the astronauts remain in a safe, well-equipped environment and will not be on the ISS indefinitely unless necessary.
Starliner is capable of remaining in space for up to 210 days, with its original mission duration set for about 45 days; however, NASA has taken measures to extend functionality as the space station recharges the capsule's batteries. In emergencies, the crew could access alternative spacecraft, such as a SpaceX Crew Dragon or a Russian Soyuz capsule, yet indications from NASA suggest no imminent need for those options.
The urgency of resolving the issues facing Starliner cannot be overstated, as it illuminates the delicate challenges of space travel. Engineers, astronauts, and dedicated teams must balance innovation with safety and efficacy to ensure all missions meet their intended goals successfully. As the testing and evaluations continue, many are left pondering – when will Starliner finally bring its crew back home? The anticipation and intrigue remain palpable as the voyage unfolds.
