NASA is facing delays with the return of Boeing Starliner astronauts, Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams, who are currently stationed aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Originally planned for about ten days, their mission has extended significantly due to technical issues, potentially pushing their return until 2025.
After launching on June 5, 2024, for the Starliner's Crew Flight Test, the astronauts have been away from home longer than expected. NASA officials have announced they will make a key decision about their return at the end of August or early September.
A critical aspect of the decision revolves around operational supplies, particularly consumables like food aboard the space station. Currently, NASA is contemplating whether the astronauts should return on Starliner or take seats aboard SpaceX's Crew Dragon, which is scheduled for its own mission.
Nobody from Boeing attended the recent press briefing, where NASA outlined the various options under consideration. They have previously expressed confidence about Starliner's capabilities, but internal disagreements within NASA about the return plan surfaced during discussions.
Wilmore and Williams have completed their research tasks on the ISS under the supervision of NASA's chief astronaut, Joe Acaba, who reported their spirits remain high. NASA recognizes the need for external engineering consultations to assure crew safety amid the Starliner's operational delays.
On August 14, NASA's Associate Administrator Ken Bowersox informed reporters about the critical timeline for making decisions, emphasizing, "We’re reaching a point where, by the end of the month, we really should be making a call, if not sooner.”
The astronauts' unexpected extended stay could take them through another six months, putting them on the ISS until 2025 if no immediate decisions are made. This scenario leaves NASA with the added challenge of managing numerous upcoming missions related to cargo and astronaut transportation to the ISS.
SpaceX's Crew-9 mission was initially slated for September but has been delayed to make room for Starliner’s potential return. If the Starliner remains docked, it could delay other scheduled flights significantly, creating what NASA calls potential traffic jams.
NASA’s contingency planning includes scenarios where Wilmore and Williams may eventually return to Earth under different arrangements. The agency has assured they have options ready if issues arise with the Starliner during reentry evaluations.
NASA’s experts have been closely reviewing thruster data from Starliner, which experienced problems during docking, leading to the extension of the astronaut’s stay. The investigation is exploring multiple aspects, ensuring thorough risk assessment for the crew's safety before any final decision is made.
Experts specializing in propulsion systems from various NASA centers have been called upon to evaluate the situation, with Bowersox calling this input invaluable. These assessments aim to pinpoint the root cause of the thruster malfunctions witnessed during the spacecraft’s docking maneuver.
The Starliner has faced numerous hurdles, including minor leaks and thruster glitches, since its inception, leaving both the agency and astronauts grappling with uncertainty. Yet, throughout this time, the astronauts have utilized the delay to assist with routine expansion on the ISS operations.
While Wilmore and Williams wait for NASA’s final call, they are reportedly adapting to the situation and partaking in additional research activities. Bowersox remarked, “Our major concern is having successful deorbit burn and ensuring the [propellant] system works as needed.”
NASA’s current plan involves conducting multiple assessments and readiness checks to calculate the likelihood of Starliner's operational success. They must meet safety protocols and maintain the astronauts' well-being during their extended tenure on the ISS.
Meanwhile, both astronauts have showed resilience, engaging with day-to-day tasks on the ISS and contributing positively to the environment there. Acaba noted, “Right now, the agency has taken the time to assure we are not putting the crew at a higher risk than is necessary; as astronauts, that's always something worth waiting for.”
Looking to the future, NASA continues to keep all options on the table as they chart how best to proceed with the return. The complex balancing act of operational readiness, safety evaluations, and technical evaluations represents the unique challenges faced by the agency during this unprecedented delay.
With multiple stakeholders involved, including Boeing and SpaceX, the path forward remains fraught with challenges. But as the final decision looms, everyone is hopeful for Wilmore and Williams' safe return back to Earth.
