Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, which was supposed to be a milestone in commercial space travel, is currently stuck at the International Space Station (ISS) with no scheduled return date. The two NASA astronauts on board, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, initially embarked on their mission on June 6, expecting to spend eight to ten days in space. However, a series of delays has left them in orbit indefinitely.
The mission faced its first delay when the launch was postponed by a month due to various technical issues. Once the astronauts finally reached the ISS, they were supposed to return to Earth by June 26. But just 12 days after their arrival, Boeing announced another delay, pushing the return date further to assess onboard issues and accommodate two planned spacewalks.
The primary reason for the delay is the detection of five helium leaks in the spacecraft. Helium is crucial for the spacecraft’s reaction control system (RCS) thrusters, which are essential for maneuvering. Boeing stated that mission managers are evaluating future return opportunities following the spacewalks scheduled for June 24 and July 2. However, no new return date has been provided.
Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, emphasized that the mission management team is taking its time to ensure all issues are resolved. He assured that the crew is not pressed for time to leave the station, as there are ample supplies in orbit.
This mission marks Boeing’s first attempt to send a crewed spacecraft into space, a significant step in its bid to enter the commercial human-space transport market. However, the company is lagging behind SpaceX, which has been successfully sending astronauts to space since 2020. Both Boeing and SpaceX were selected by NASA in 2014 to explore commercial space transport.
Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, has been vocal about Boeing’s struggles. In May, he commented on social media that Boeing was hindered by “too many non-technical managers.” Despite these challenges, both NASA and Boeing remain committed to the mission and the safety of the astronauts.
The delays and technical issues have been costly for Boeing. The company has already incurred over $1.5 billion in charges due to the long-delayed Starliner program. The initial uncrewed mission to the ISS in 2019 failed due to technical issues, and subsequent problems delayed the next attempt until it was finally accomplished in 2022.
For NASA, a successful Starliner mission is crucial for having two operational transportation providers, adding redundancy to the Commercial Crew Program. Boeing’s contract with NASA includes six astronaut missions, and the company is under pressure to deliver.
The astronauts on board, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, are no strangers to space. Williams, selected as an astronaut by NASA in 1998, has spent a total of 322 days in space before the Starliner project. Wilmore, a NASA astronaut since 2000, logged 178 days in space before this mission.
While the astronauts are well-prepared for extended stays in space, the indefinite delay adds uncertainty to their mission. The situation underscores the complexities and challenges of space travel, even as commercial companies like Boeing and SpaceX push the boundaries of human space exploration.
Back on Earth, Boeing has also been dealing with issues in its aviation division. In January, a door plug came off a Boeing 737 Max 9 Alaska Airlines jet at 16,000 feet, resulting in a gaping hole in the plane. Several whistleblowers have since come forward, alleging that the company cut corners with quality control.
Despite these setbacks, Boeing and NASA are focused on resolving the issues with the Starliner spacecraft. The mission’s success is not just a matter of corporate pride but also a critical step in advancing commercial space travel.
As the spacewalks and assessments continue, the world watches closely, hoping for a safe and successful return for Wilmore and Williams. The mission’s outcome will have significant implications for the future of commercial space travel and Boeing’s role in it.
In the meantime, the astronauts remain in good spirits, supported by ample supplies and the knowledge that their mission is a crucial part of humanity’s journey into space.
Source: Business Insider, TechCrunch
