More Details Emerge About Starliner Spacecraft
Last week, I raised a critical question about whether Boeing would be able to bring astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore back to Earth from the International Space Station (ISS). The astronauts have been stuck in orbit for nearly a month longer than scheduled, due to multiple helium leaks and thruster failures in Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. Now, with more details emerging, the outlook is, if anything, bleaker than before.
Boeing and NASA have been slowly releasing information about the situation. Initially, Boeing reported a “small helium leak” before the launch on June 5, which they deemed too minor to pose a threat. However, once in orbit, the situation deteriorated rapidly.
A total of five helium leaks were identified, along with the failure of one thruster. Subsequent reports revealed that four additional thrusters also malfunctioned, though Boeing managed to get four of them operational again. The current situation indicates that the Starliner won’t be attempting a return flight until at least July.
Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, emphasized that NASA is allowing data to guide their decision-making concerning the helium leaks and thruster performance. He assured the public that the Starliner is “performing well in orbit while docked to the space station.” But what does “performing well” mean when it’s attached to the ISS? Essentially, it’s just not falling off.
The pressing concern is whether the leaks have been stopped and whether the thrusters, critical for reentry, will function properly when it’s time to detach from the ISS and return to Earth.
As of the latest updates, there has been no confirmation that the leaks have been fully resolved. The same set of thrusters that experienced failures are still installed, and although brief test firings have been successful, it remains uncertain if they can handle the stress of reentry.
This brings us to the astronauts’ situation. Williams and Wilmore have been aboard the ISS far longer than planned. The station doesn’t have an infinite supply of water, food, or oxygen. If there is full confidence in the Starliner’s ability to bring them home safely, action needs to be taken soon.
Otherwise, Plan B might involve asking Elon Musk’s SpaceX to send a Crew Dragon to retrieve them. However, this alternative would require significant preparation, including modifications to accommodate their spacesuits and equipment, which would take additional time.
Inquiring minds want to know if anyone has reached out to Musk yet. Given the circumstances, these questions are more than just speculative—they’re critical. The safety of the astronauts is paramount, and with the clock ticking, every moment counts. Stay tuned as we continue to monitor this situation closely.