NASA is exploring various options to safely return Boeing’s test pilots on the Starliner spacecraft back to Earth from the International Space Station (ISS). The uncertainty arises as NASA considers different contingency plans to bring Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams home after more than 60 days aboard the ISS.
Extensive testing on an identical capsule at the White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico was conducted by Boeing and NASA to determine the cause of Starliner’s failing thrusters. One potential plan under consideration is to bring Wilmore and Williams back on SpaceX’s Crew-9 mission in February 2025, which would extend their stay on the ISS for another six months.
Originally planned for launch in September, NASA and Boeing are assessing the best course of action to ensure a safe return for the astronauts. Steve Stitch, manager for NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, stated that a final decision on the return plan is expected to be made around mid-August.
Starliner has faced mechanical and technical challenges, including leaks in the helium-based propulsion system that caused delays in the initial launch and subsequent thruster failures after liftoff. NASA and Boeing attribute the leaks to a faulty rubber seal in the helium tanks and are working to determine the safest return path for the astronauts.
The success of Starliner’s first crewed test mission is crucial for future space travel approvals by NASA, aiming to fill the gap left by the retired Space Shuttle program. If successful, Boeing will join SpaceX in sending astronauts on future missions to space.
Boeing and SpaceX have received substantial funding from NASA to develop replacement spacecraft, with investments in Starliner exceeding $1.6 billion for Boeing since 2016. Despite setbacks, both companies are working towards advancing space exploration and transportation capabilities.
