NASA is set to make a crucial decision this weekend regarding the safety of Boeing’s new capsule for returning astronauts from the International Space Station (ISS). Administrators, led by Bill Nelson, will convene on Saturday to determine whether the Starliner capsule is now deemed safe following a series of setbacks. The astronauts, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, have been stranded on the ISS since their launch in June.
The test flight of the Starliner encountered significant issues, including thruster failures and helium leaks. As a result, NASA decided to keep the capsule at the space station while engineers deliberated on the best course of action. Although SpaceX has the capability to retrieve the astronauts, this would mean an extended stay on the ISS until February of next year. Originally, the plan was for the astronauts to return after a week or so.
If NASA does opt for SpaceX, the Starliner capsule will return to Earth empty in September. To evaluate the safety of the Starliner thrusters, engineers are currently assessing a new computer model that simulates the capsule’s descent out of orbit for a landing in the U.S. Western desert. The results of this evaluation, along with updated risk analyses, will play a crucial role in the final decision-making process.
Boeing has stated that extensive testing, both in space and on the ground, has demonstrated the Starliner’s ability to safely bring astronauts back. This mission marks Boeing’s first flight with astronauts after experiencing numerous delays due to various issues with the capsule. Previous test flights of the Starliner were conducted without any crew on board.
NASA awarded contracts to both Boeing and SpaceX a decade ago to transport astronauts to and from the ISS following the retirement of the space shuttles. While SpaceX has been successfully carrying out these missions since 2020, Boeing has faced significant challenges in meeting the required safety standards.
The outcome of this weekend’s meeting will have significant implications for both Boeing and NASA. It is crucial for NASA to ensure the safety of its astronauts and maintain the reliability of its crew transportation capabilities. The decision will also shape the future of Boeing’s involvement in manned spaceflight. Ultimately, the goal is to have a safe and efficient means of transporting astronauts to and from the ISS, allowing for continued scientific research and exploration in space.
