Produced by: Tarun Mishra
NASA astronauts Barry "Butch" Wilmore and Sunita "Suni" Williams are currently stranded in space due to ongoing issues with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft. Their mission, which launched on June 5, was initially planned for eight days but has been extended indefinitely.
The Starliner spacecraft has encountered several technical issues, including five helium leaks, malfunctioning maneuvering thrusters, and a partially faulty propellant valve. These problems have led NASA to reschedule the return trip multiple times.
Although NASA has tentatively set July 6 as a potential return date for the astronauts, this date has not been confirmed. The spacecraft’s technical issues continue to delay the mission's conclusion.
The main issue affecting Starliner is its propulsion system, crucial for manoeuvring the spacecraft away from the International Space Station (ISS) and re-entering Earth's atmosphere. Overheating thrusters and helium leaks have compromised this system.
NASA is considering alternative methods for bringing Williams and Wilmore back to Earth, including the potential use of a SpaceX Dragon capsule if Starliner remains inoperative.
The current situation presents a challenge for managing docking ports at the ISS. ISS program manager Dana Weigel emphasized that the Starliner needs to be undocked to make space for the Crew-9 mission
Boeing's Starliner program has faced numerous setbacks, including parachute system failures, flammable protective tape, and battery issues. The estimated financial impact of these problems on Boeing is around $1.5 billion.
Boeing’s struggles with the Starliner program highlight significant challenges in achieving reliable crew transport to the ISS. The company continues to work on resolving these issues to ensure the spacecraft’s future viability.