NASA officials announced that two astronauts who flew to the International Space Station in Boeing’s Starliner capsule will have to return to Earth on a SpaceX vehicle due to issues with the Starliner’s propulsion system. This decision was made after the propulsion system suffered glitches during the flight to the ISS, forcing the astronauts to remain on the station longer than planned.
In an uncommon move, NASA has decided to have the astronauts return on a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft instead of the Boeing Starliner. This decision is particularly notable given Boeing’s hope that the Starliner test mission would restore the program’s reputation after years of development problems and budget overruns.
Boeing has faced significant challenges in the development of the Starliner capsule, including thruster failures and helium leaks. The company has also struggled with quality issues in its production of commercial planes, further complicating the situation. Despite efforts to gather data and convince NASA of the safety of the Starliner, the testing ultimately raised more engineering questions.
Uncertainty Surrounding Starliner’s Certification
The drawn-out mission has cost Boeing a significant amount of money, and the path to receiving NASA certification for the Starliner now remains uncertain. The decision to have the astronauts return in a SpaceX vehicle highlights the concerns about Starliner’s thrusters and its ability to make a crewed return trip safely.
Boeing’s Ongoing Efforts
Boeing’s new CEO, Kelly Ortberg, has expressed a commitment to continue working on the problems with the Starliner capsule. Despite the challenges faced by the company, Ortberg remains confident that Starliner will fly another crew in the future. However, the uncertainty surrounding the certification of the capsule raises questions about the timeline for future missions.
NASA officials unanimously voted for the astronauts to return in a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft, citing safety concerns with the Starliner’s propulsion system. This decision marks a significant shift in NASA’s astronaut operations and highlights the agency’s commitment to ensuring the safety of its crew members.
The decision for NASA astronauts to return to Earth on a SpaceX vehicle instead of a Boeing Starliner reflects the challenges faced by Boeing in developing a reliable spacecraft. The uncertainties surrounding the Starliner’s certification raise questions about the future of the program and the timeline for future crewed missions. Despite the setbacks, both NASA and Boeing remain committed to ensuring the safety of astronauts and continuing their efforts to advance human space exploration.