In a surprising turn of events, Boeing’s first crewed Starliner mission will return to Earth without its astronauts on September 6, 2024. This decision comes after months of analysis and deliberation by NASA and Boeing.
The Starliner, which launched on June 5, 2024, carried NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore to the International Space Station (ISS). The mission, known as Crew Flight Test (CFT), was initially planned to last just ten days. However, the stay was extended due to technical issues that needed thorough investigation.
The Journey to ISS
The Starliner successfully docked with the ISS a day after its launch. However, the journey was not without its challenges. The spacecraft experienced helium leaks and failures in five of its 28 reaction control system thrusters. These issues prompted NASA and Boeing to extend the mission, allowing more time to study and understand the problems.
Safety First
NASA’s primary concern has always been the safety of its astronauts. After extensive data analysis and internal reviews, NASA decided that it was too risky to bring Williams and Wilmore back to Earth on the Starliner. Instead, the astronauts will return on a SpaceX Dragon capsule in February 2025.
The Decision
The decision to return the Starliner uncrewed was not taken lightly. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson emphasized the importance of safety in space missions. “Spaceflight is risky, even at its safest and most routine. A test flight, by nature, is neither safe nor routine,” Nelson said. This decision reflects NASA’s commitment to minimizing risks and ensuring the safety of its crew.
What Happens Next?
The uncrewed Starliner will perform a fully autonomous return to Earth. The spacecraft will undock from the ISS no earlier than 6:04 p.m. EDT on September 6, 2024. It will then re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere and land under parachutes at White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico.
Ground Control
Flight controllers at Starliner Mission Control in Houston and Boeing Mission Control Center in Florida will oversee the return. They will remotely command the spacecraft if needed, ensuring a safe undocking, re-entry, and landing.
The Astronauts’ Extended Stay
While the Starliner returns empty, Williams and Wilmore will continue their work on the ISS. They will remain part of the Expedition 71/72 crew until February 2025. During this time, they will support station research, maintenance, and further testing of the Starliner systems.
The Bigger Picture
This mission has provided valuable insights into the Starliner’s capabilities and limitations. Despite the challenges, NASA and Boeing have learned a lot about the spacecraft during its journey to the ISS and its docked operations. The data gathered during the uncrewed return will further improve the system for future flights.
Looking Ahead
NASA and Boeing are committed to resolving the issues identified during this mission. The goal is to ensure that the Starliner can safely transport astronauts in the future. The lessons learned from this mission will be crucial in achieving that goal.
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