NASA is currently deliberating on whether to bring home two U.S. astronauts aboard Boeing’s troubled Starliner spacecraft or to wait until next year for a SpaceX vehicle to be available. The decision, expected as early as this weekend, comes after the Starliner, on its first crewed mission, encountered a series of technical problems that have kept it docked at the International Space Station (ISS) for months.
Issues with the Starliner
The Starliner spacecraft, launched in early June, was initially intended for a brief eight-day test mission. However, the mission has been extended significantly due to several malfunctions. Shortly after launch, the spacecraft experienced leaks in its propulsion system and the failure of several thrusters. Despite these issues, the Starliner managed to dock with the ISS. Over the past two and a half months, engineers have been conducting tests to understand the extent of the thruster malfunctions. As of now, 27 out of 28 thrusters are operational, but concerns remain about the reliability of the system, especially during the critical re-entry phase.
Boeing, which has faced significant financial setbacks on the Starliner program, has expressed confidence that the spacecraft can still safely bring the astronauts home. The company has been actively working to address the technical issues and insists that the Starliner is capable of a safe return. However, NASA’s top officials are weighing Boeing’s assurances against the potential risks.
The Backup Plan: SpaceX
If NASA decides against using the Starliner for the return journey, the alternative would involve utilizing SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft. In this scenario, astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore would have to wait until February 2025 for their return, as they would join the next scheduled SpaceX mission. The Crew Dragon is currently the only other U.S. spacecraft capable of transporting astronauts to and from the ISS, and its next launch is slated for late September. However, to accommodate Williams and Wilmore, NASA would have to reduce the Crew Dragon’s manifest from four to two astronauts.
This option would mean a significantly extended stay for the astronauts aboard the ISS. Both Williams and Wilmore are seasoned NASA veterans and have stated that they are keeping busy and contributing to ongoing research and repairs on the space station. While NASA emphasizes that the astronauts are not “stranded,” the extended duration does present logistical and operational challenges.
NASA’s Strategic Dilemma
The predicament highlights the challenges NASA faces with its Commercial Crew Program, which relies on both Boeing and SpaceX to transport astronauts to the ISS. The agency’s strategy was to have two independent providers to ensure continuous access to space in case one system encountered problems. While SpaceX has been flying successfully since 2020, Boeing’s Starliner has been plagued with setbacks.
Despite the difficulties, NASA remains committed to supporting Boeing and the Starliner program. “You want to have another alternative both for cost reasons and for safety reasons,” said Scott Hubbard, a former NASA executive. “So NASA needs Boeing to be successful.”
Future Missions and Decisions
NASA’s immediate decision will have long-term implications for its manned spaceflight capabilities. The agency aims to have both SpaceX and Boeing running regular missions to the ISS until its planned retirement in 2030. However, the decision on whether to send the astronauts home on the Starliner or wait for the Crew Dragon will impact not only the schedule of future missions but also the public and industry perception of Boeing’s spacecraft.
With a decision expected soon, the space community is closely watching NASA’s next move. The outcome will determine whether Boeing can finally prove the reliability of its Starliner or if SpaceX will once again be called upon to fill the gap.
