NASA has a big problem: Two astronauts on Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft are spending months longer than expected aboard the International Space Station. Suni Williams and Barry Wilmore launched into space on the first crewed Starliner mission on June 5 and were only supposed to spend a week aboard the ISS. But nearly three months later, they’re still in space because their spacecraft malfunctioned.
Known as the Crew Flight Test, or CFT, this mission experienced problems shortly after launch with helium leaks and thruster malfunctions that forced the cancelation of their return trip. NASA and Boeing have run extensive tests both in space and on Earth to try to resolve the issues.
NASA’s Ken Bowersox, although paying regard to the “great work” developed by both teams, also referred to “painful discussions” as they work their way through this complicated situation. For the moment, two possible solutions seem to be at hand: either a dangerous ride on the Starliner or transferring the astronauts onto the Crew Dragon spacecraft. This latter would mean serious editing and reprogramming of software in the Starliner.
“We don’t want to make an emotional decision,” Bowersox said, pointing out that the board’s final decision would have to be based on the facts. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson was also clear that astronaut safety comes first.
Williams and Wilmore are senior astronauts, and they fit in well with the ISS crew—in fact, making very valuable contributions. On the downside, now that they have to stay longer than expected, they use up more supplies than allocated for them, like food and hygiene products.
The fate of the Starliner is still in limbo. Developed by Boeing to carry astronauts to the ISS and serve as a backup for SpaceX’s Crew Dragon, the spacecraft has experienced several mishaps. Its first uncrewed test flight in 2019 did not get as far as the ISS, and on its second flight in 2022, although successful, it was also hit with troubles that put it behind schedule.
On all these reverses, however, Bowersox emphasized that NASA still wants to have two transport systems. “The problems can be resolved, and when that happens, the Starliner’s future will be bright.”
The date for the astronauts’ return is still uncertain as NASA and Boeing keep troubleshooting the Starliner. Whether through the Starliner or the Crew Dragon, the bottom line of NASA is ensuring safe passage home for its astronauts.