NASA’s Fears of Boeing’s Starliner Puzzle Astronauts’ Fate

At a Glance

NASA needs to decide soon how to bring home two astronauts from the International Space Station (ISS) who traveled on Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft.
The decision was expected by mid-August but has been delayed and is now anticipated by the end of August.
The delay is due to unresolved problems with Starliner’s propulsion system.
NASA is considering a backup plan for Starliner to return to Earth autonomously without astronauts onboard.

Concerns Over Starliner’s Reliability

Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft has come under scrutiny due to a series of technical issues, worrying NASA about the potential risks it poses to the International Space Station’s docking port. The spacecraft, designed to transport astronauts, has faced numerous challenges since its inception, including failed test flights and persistent malfunctions. These issues raise questions about Boeing’s ability to manage complex space missions safely.

NASA originally projected a brief, eight-day mission for the astronauts delivered by Starliner. However, the mission has now extended to an overdue six weeks, with no clear return date. While officials attempt to avoid the term “stranded,” the reality is that astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are stuck aboard the ISS as solutions are sought, overshooting the intended mission duration significantly.

NASA Commercial Crew manager Steve Stich:

"There are no new issues to report today" about Boeing's Starliner.

"I want to make it very clear that Butch and Suni are not stranded in space." $BA pic.twitter.com/NAmwhQwxm1

— Michael Sheetz (@thesheetztweetz) June 28, 2024

Propulsion System Woes

The propulsion system of Boeing’s Starliner remains a critical issue. Ongoing complications such as stuck valves, helium leaks, and thruster malfunctions have delayed the spacecraft’s safe return to Earth. NASA is conducting additional tests at the White Sands Test Facility to find solutions to these persistent issues, but the timeline for resolution remains uncertain.

“Adding insult to injury, Boeing’s Starliner has been plagued by issues such as a failed first test flight in 2019 and multiple thruster failures, leading to considerable doubts about its dependability in space missions.”

While NASA and Boeing maintain that the astronauts are not in immediate danger, the continued trust in Starliner’s safety is in question. Discussions are ongoing about potentially returning Starliner to Earth autonomously, without the astronauts onboard, an indication of the severity of the problems faced by this spacecraft.

Broader Implications for Boeing

Boeing’s troubles with Starliner are part of a larger pattern of engineering and safety challenges, including the infamous 737 Max issues and delays with Air Force One. Starliner, projected to be a cornerstone for NASA missions, now casts a shadow on future collaborations between Boeing and NASA. The possibility of the project’s delay, if not outright cancellation, could have significant ramifications for Boeing and its role in space exploration.

Financially, Boeing has also faced considerable losses, estimated at around $1.5 billion over the initial NASA contract. Management has hinted that space programs like Starliner may not remain core to the company’s future, though they have not yet abandoned the project altogether.

Boeing Starliner astronauts stuck at International Space Station as engineers on Earth race against time to fix multiple problems https://t.co/KeIHJOsmqF pic.twitter.com/WtpgGg1iEh

— New York Post (@nypost) June 22, 2024

Future Missions in Jeopardy

The delays and continued technical failures of Starliner mean that the first regular flight, initially scheduled for February 2025, is now in jeopardy. Recent decision-making delays alongside unresolved propulsion system problems exacerbate the uncertainty and may influence NASA’s continued investment in the project. Some experts suggest that NASA reconsider its partnership with Boeing, given these recurring issues.

Boeing’s reluctance to seek help from its rival, SpaceX, widely regarded for its reliability, only adds to the embarrassment. SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft has successfully completed multiple crewed missions, reinforcing its position as a preferred option for safe and reliable space travel.