In the event that NASA chose to use SpaceX, Starliner would return empty before Crew-9 took off.
In the unlikely event that the damaged Boeing Co. craft that launched the two astronauts into orbit is unable to carry them back, NASA and Elon Musk’s SpaceX are collaborating to develop plans for their return to Earth.
On Wednesday, NASA officials revealed the backup plan, stating that astronauts Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Sunita “Suni” Williams, along with a two-person crew from SpaceX’s Crew-9 mission, might return to Earth in February 2025. September is when that mission is scheduled to launch to the International Space Station.
The NASA stated that it must decide by mid-August whether to send the astronauts back to their homes on the Boeing spacecraft. NASA’s top official, Bill Nelson, or Associate Administrator Jim Free may ultimately make the decision.
Wilmore and Williams launched on the first crewed voyage of Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner spacecraft, and since June 6 they have been residing on the International Space Station.
To ascertain if the vehicle is safe to routinely transport astronauts to and from orbit, the trip is a crucial test. The two astronauts have already been in orbit for two months, longer than their original plan of staying aboard the station for around a week.
In the event that NASA chose to use SpaceX, Starliner would return empty before Crew-9 took off.
According to developments over the past week or two, there is a slight probability that an unmanned Starliner return will occur, NASA’s associate administrator for space operations Ken Bowersox stated at a press briefing. Owing to this, NASA is into that option more extensively to ensure they can handle it.
While trying to dock with the space station, Boeing’s Starliner encountered a variety of technical problems, such as helium leaks and a few thrusters that needed to be restarted. Despite the thruster issues, NASA has been working to assess whether Starliner can safely return Wilmore and Williams home.
“We still believe in Starliner’s capability and its flight rationale,” Boeing declared in a press release following NASA’s press briefing. He also stated that Boeing would take the necessary steps to set up Starliner for an unmanned return if NASA decided to choose SpaceX for the mission.
Wilmore and Williams’ SpaceX return would be a further humiliating setback for Boeing, whose Starliner program has been beset by technical problems for much of its development. It would also highlight how reliant the government is on Musk’s business, which has established itself as a crucial collaborator on the US space program.
Boeing’s Starliner experienced a botched unmanned test mission in 2019 before this test flight was launched. The present flight was also delayed by seven years due to major delays and technical issues. Boeing reported a $125 million penalty on Starliner last week, bringing its total cost overruns since 2016 to $1.6 billion.
While Starliner is docked with the space station, NASA and Boeing have been conducting testing and analysis to gain a better understanding of the thruster failure.
The agency revealed in late July the findings of ground tests conducted at NASA’s White Sands Test Facility, suggesting that Teflon seal overheating could be the cause of the thruster failures.
According to Steve Stich, program manager for NASA’s Commercial Crew program, “we can’t totally prove with certainty what we’re seeing on orbit is exactly what’s been replicated on the ground,” which is why NASA is concerned.
NASA officials stated that there has been disagreement inside NASA on whether Starliner is safe to return home given the ambiguity, which has led to a greater emphasis on the backup plan. One of the main worries is that when Starliner tries to escape orbit, a mix of helium leaks and engine malfunctions could happen and cause some control issues.
NASA and Boeing staff will gather more information, update software, and develop plans over the next few days regarding the various approaches to bring Wilmore and Williams back. The Starliner teams are receiving assistance from propulsion specialists at NASA’s various facilities to review the data and make sure nothing has been overlooked. Following the compilation of all the data, the agency will formally review the information and offer a recommendation.
