Soft landing or crash explosion? Boeing Starliner to attempt return journey tomorrow without NASA’s Sunita Williams on board
Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
Starliner to Return Without Crew
The Boeing Starliner, which carried Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams and Barry “Butch” Wilmore to the International Space Station (ISS) in June, is set to return to Earth on September 6 in autonomous mode. The decision was made after ongoing propulsion issues delayed the astronauts’ return, now scheduled for February 2025.
First Crewed Test Flight Complications
The mission was initially an eight-day crewed test flight for Boeing’s Starliner, but the astronauts’ stay on the ISS was extended due to problems with the spacecraft’s propulsion system. NASA and Boeing agreed to bring the Starliner back without its crew to ensure safety while continuing to gather testing data.
NASA’s Commitment to Safety
NASA cited safety concerns as the primary reason for keeping the astronauts aboard the ISS and returning the spacecraft uncrewed. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson emphasized that spaceflight, especially test flights, inherently involves risks, and the decision reflects NASA’s commitment to safety.
Boeing’s Response and Testing
Boeing remains confident in the Starliner’s ability to safely return both with and without crew. The company stated that extensive testing has confirmed that most of the Starliner’s reaction control system thrusters are functioning properly and that the spacecraft’s propulsion system retains redundancy.
Unmet Safety Requirements
NASA, wary of past shuttle accidents, made the cautious decision to bring the spacecraft back without astronauts. The space agency noted that uncertainties around propulsion system performance did not meet its human spaceflight safety standards.
Starliner’s Specifications
The Starliner spacecraft, designed for crewed missions to low-Earth orbit, is partially reusable and can accommodate up to seven astronauts. Sunita Williams, who was involved in its design, named the spacecraft “Calypso” after the vessel used by oceanographer Jacques-Yves Cousteau.
Development Challenges
The Starliner’s development faced multiple delays and cost overruns. Boeing was awarded a $4.2 billion contract by NASA in 2014, but the Starliner’s first human spaceflight took place only in 2023. In contrast, SpaceX’s Crew Dragon, developed under a similar contract, has been operational since 2020 and will ferry Williams and Wilmore back to Earth.