Having launched the Boeing Starliner into space with astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, they got stuck in space. In a mission that was supposed to last for eight days, they have been stuck for over 50 days now with an uncertain date for return. They are facing problems with their ship, which is keeping them aboard the International Space Station, with at least a few more weeks to spend there. Here is a breakdown of what is going on.
What is Wrong With the Boeing Starliner?
Wilmore and Williams found a series of concerning helium leaks in the Boeing Starliner while in space. Now, tests are being made by NASA and Boeing to see whether the ship can be used to return the astronauts to Earth or not. Per their announcement on July 25th, they are conducting the test-fire of the Starliner’s 28-thruster reaction control system (RCS) on either July 27th or July 28th at the International Space Station (ISS). However, one of the 28 RCS thrusters has been deemed unusable for their flight to Earth so they will only rely on the remaining 27.
As phrased by the space.com article, following ground tests at the White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico, engineers were able to figure out what might have happened during the difficult docking. The article goes on to further clarify, “The Aerojet Rocketdyne test MR-104J test thruster similar to those aboard Starliner showed that the thruster experienced ‘severe degradation’ in its valve system from nitrogen dioxide vapor as the propellant flow was restricted due to bulging in a seal.” Additionally, Engineers found Teflon stuck in a downstream filter, which suggests an erosion in a seal due to ‘bubbling’ under high temperatures.
If the thruster tests prove successful and the helium leaks remain stable, NASA would schedule an agency review next week, where they would then set an official date for Wilmore and Williams’ return. Their main priority is to return the astronauts in the Boeing Starliner. However, If the tests fail and returning to Earth with the Starliner proves to be dangerous for the astronauts, they’ve got backup plans up their sleeves.
NASA and Boeing’s Plan B
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Steve Stich, NASA’s Commercial Crew Program manager, says that Wilmore and Williams are expected to stay in orbit in the Boeing Starliner until sometime in August. He also said that there are no present concerns about supplies diminishing aboard the ISS with two additional astronauts aboard. He added that Wilmore and Williams have remained positive and continue to enjoy their extended stay in space.
However, as mentioned by the NY Post, “the easiest plan B they have is for the astronauts to hitch a ride on SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spaceship, Boeing’s rival.” Although it is a rival, it recently ferried four astronauts to the ISS successfully in March. It normally carries two to four passengers but can fit more if needed. SpaceX is known as the sole commercial company approved to transport astronauts and cargo to the space station since 2020. Stich hopes that one day, the Starliner could be a backup to a Dragon mission, as they can then have two different transportation systems to the ISS.
Finally, Mark Nappi, manager of the Boeing Starliner program, expressed his regret that he gave a number to the mission. If he hadn’t announced that the mission would last eight days, he wouldn’t have faced as much backlash as he is facing now. He should have stated that the astronauts would stay up there until the mission is complete but he has solid confidence in the Starliner.
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