NASA has recently confirmed a contingency plan to bring astronauts Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams home from the International Space Station early next year. This plan involves utilizing SpaceX’s Crew-9 mission as a backup in case the Boeing Starliner spacecraft is unable to transport the astronauts back to Earth.
Boeing’s Starliner Failures
The Boeing Starliner experienced thruster failures and helium leaks during its docking with the ISS, leading to significant delays in the astronauts’ return journey. This comes after a series of delays and cost overruns in Boeing’s Starliner program, with the June crewed test flight originally scheduled to take place seven years ago.
If Boeing is unable to bring the astronauts back to Earth, SpaceX’s Crew-9 mission will come into play. This mission, scheduled for a late September launch, will have two spots available for Williams and Wilmore to return in February of next year. Boeing will need to reconfigure the Starliner craft so that it can return to Earth uncrewed ahead of the SpaceX Crew-9 launch.
Tests conducted at NASA’s White Sands Test Facility identified deformed Teflon seals as a potential cause of the Starliner’s thruster failures. However, NASA has not yet made a final decision on whether Williams and Wilmore will return using Boeing’s spacecraft, with a decision expected in mid-August.
Despite the setbacks faced by Boeing, using the Starliner is still NASA’s preferred solution for bringing the astronauts back to Earth. The agency is working closely with Boeing to address the issues and ensure the safety of the spacecraft for future missions.
The Boeing Starliner fiasco highlights the challenges and complexities involved in human spaceflight. NASA’s contingency plan and reliance on SpaceX as a backup demonstrate the need for robust and flexible solutions in the aerospace industry. As the space exploration continues to evolve, it is essential for companies like Boeing and SpaceX to address issues promptly and collaborate effectively to ensure the safety and success of future missions.