Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, which has faced numerous issues including helium leaks and thruster failures, will soon return to Earth uncrewed to make way for SpaceX’s Crew Dragon. Originally meant to bring astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams home, NASA decided against the trip due to safety concerns. The spacecraft is expected to make a safe re-entry in early September, following a Flight Readiness Review to determine the timing of the return trip.
NASA, citing the uncertainty and lack of expert concurrence regarding the safety of the Starliner spacecraft, decided to move Wilmore and Williams to the Crew-9 mission instead. The astronauts are currently helping with testing and maintenance of the capsule while officials continue to assess when the spacecraft can safely return to Earth. The Starliner must undock before the Crew-9 mission to ensure a port is available for the SpaceX craft, which is set to launch later in September.
Boeing has stated that they are focused on the safety of the crew and spacecraft, preparing for the uncrewed return as determined by NASA. Despite the issues faced by the Starliner during its maiden voyage, NASA expressed a desire to continue working with Boeing to establish a second avenue for space travel alongside SpaceX. The initial flight in June was intended to be Starliner’s final test before being on par with its SpaceX rival, but was plagued by helium leaks and thruster problems.
The thruster issues continued to worsen once Starliner left the atmosphere, leading to NASA’s decision to cancel the return trip aboard the spacecraft. This setback was a blow to Boeing, especially considering the company’s previous safety issues with its commercial planes. The June flight did not go as planned, with officials initially proceeding despite the initial problems being deemed not serious enough to pose a threat. However, as they worsened during the flight, the return trip had to be called off.
As Starliner prepares to return uncrewed to Earth, NASA will be closely monitoring the spacecraft’s progress. With plans for SpaceX’s Crew Dragon to follow shortly after, NASA is working to ensure that the safe return of Starliner sets the stage for continued collaboration with both Boeing and SpaceX in the future of human spaceflight. Despite the challenges faced by Starliner during its test flight, both NASA and Boeing remain committed to advancing the Commercial Crew program and expanding opportunities for space travel.
