CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – After experiencing multiple delays, two NASA astronauts are now facing an extended stay at the International Space Station due to ongoing issues with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. This marks the third delay for Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams as engineers on the ground work to address various problems with the spacecraft.
The return module of the Starliner spacecraft is currently docked to the ISS’s Harmony module, but limited fuel reserves in Harmony are posing challenges for a safe return flight. As a result, Wilmore and Williams, who were originally scheduled to return on June 13, remain in orbit.
Among the issues plaguing the Starliner are five helium leaks and thruster malfunctions that occurred during the astronauts’ journey to the ISS. Concerns over the spacecraft’s safety have prompted discussions among space enthusiasts, with some even suggesting that Elon Musk’s SpaceX Dragon spacecraft may be needed for a potential rescue mission.
Despite the setbacks, space expert Jonathan McDowell has offered reassurance that the situation may not be as dire as it appears. However, with the uncertainty surrounding the spacecraft’s propulsion system, Boeing and NASA are diligently working to ensure the astronauts’ safe return to Earth.
The hardware issues encountered during the Starliner’s first manned flight on June 5 have raised questions about the spacecraft’s reliability. Mark Nappi, Boeing’s Starliner program manager, acknowledged challenges with the helium system and emphasized the need to investigate further in order to address these issues.
In the event that the problems persist, the astronauts may need to wait until SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft makes its scheduled trip to the ISS in August. The ongoing delays and technical issues with the Starliner demonstrate the complexities and risks associated with manned space missions, underscoring the importance of thorough testing and maintenance protocols in the aerospace industry.