NASA is set to provide an update on Wednesday regarding the Boeing Starliner spacecraft, which has been docked at the International Space Station (ISS) since June 6. The spacecraft carried its first crew, consisting of astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, to orbit, but issues with its thrusters and helium leaks have raised concerns about the spacecraft’s ability to safely return to Earth. The thrusters play a critical role in ensuring the spacecraft reaches the correct reentry point, and NASA needs to be confident that they are functioning properly before attempting to bring the Starliner back home.
The mission was originally supposed to last about a week, but the Starliner remains docked at the ISS a month later, with the crew still on board. NASA engineers continue to evaluate the best course of action, and a date for the flight home has not yet been set. In a previous teleconference, Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, assured that the astronauts are not stranded in space, but rather, the agency is working to resolve the issues and ensure a safe return.
The Starliner’s propulsion system performance and five small helium leaks in the spacecraft’s service module are being closely monitored and evaluated. While NASA is still intent on bringing the Starliner home with the astronauts on board, it’s also possible that the spacecraft will come back empty, with Williams and Wilmore hitching a ride home on the SpaceX Crew Dragon, which is currently docked at the station.
NASA and Boeing Continue to Evaluate Boeing Starliner’s Propulsion System Performance
NASA and Boeing are working together to resolve the issues and ensure a safe return for the astronauts. The agency and the spacecraft manufacturer are gathering as much data as possible while the Starliner is docked at the ISS, which will help inform their decision on the best course of action. Mark Nappi, vice president and program manager of the Commercial Crew Program at Boeing, will join the teleconference along with Stich to provide updates on the mission.
The Starliner’s issues are not a new problem, as the spacecraft experienced thruster malfunctions during its previous uncrewed test flight in December 2019. However, the current difficulties are more complex and require a more detailed evaluation before the spacecraft can attempt to return to Earth. The agency and Boeing are taking a cautious approach to ensure the safety of the astronauts and the success of the mission.
The teleconference on Wednesday will provide an opportunity for NASA and Boeing to provide an update on the mission’s status and any decisions that have been made. The agency plans to stream the audio from the conference in real-time on its website, allowing the public to follow along and stay informed about the mission’s progress.
