NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, the two NASA astronauts from Boeing’s troubled Starliner capsule may have to remain in space until the middle of August as engineers continue to work through technical problems that prevented their return in June. Williams, currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS), has expressed confidence in her return despite technical issues with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft.
Williams and fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore were launched from Florida on June 5 and docked at the ISS the next day. Initially set to return on June 22, their homecoming has been postponed multiple times due to technical difficulties.
The Starliner, on its first crewed mission, has faced several challenges, including helium leaks and malfunctioning thrusters. Despite these setbacks, Williams remains optimistic. “I have a real good feeling in my heart that this spacecraft will bring us home, no problem,” she said during a live news conference from the ISS.
The primary goal of the mission is to test the Starliner for future astronaut flights. “Failure is not an option,” said Wilmore, emphasizing the importance of resolving the spacecraft’s issues to ensure the safety and success of future missions. The astronauts have been integrated into various ISS expeditions, conducting experiments with a 3D-printed moon microscope and gene sequencing.
Boeing’s Starliner is designed to remain docked at the ISS for up to 45 days, but with over 35 days already elapsed, NASA and Boeing are working diligently to address the issues. Five of Starliner’s 28 thrusters malfunctioned after the spacecraft reached the ISS, caused by a helium leak due to a faulty propellant valve.
NASA’s commercial crew program manager, Steve Stich, mentioned that while the spacecraft is considered safe for an emergency evacuation, mission managers are cautious about scheduling its departure. “We’re going to work methodically through our processes, including a return flight readiness review,” Stich stated.
A routine ISS crew rotation in mid-August is the latest potential timeline for Williams and Wilmore’s return. Mark Nappi, Boeing’s commercial crew program manager, expressed confidence that the current issues would strengthen the Starliner program. “All this information is going to go in a big bucket, and all the engineers are going to review it and try to see if it doesn’t point to root cause or point to some additional testing,” Nappi explained.
Despite being behind schedule and over budget, Boeing aims to restore confidence in the Starliner, positioning it as a reliable alternative to SpaceX’s Crew Dragon.
