Boeing’s Starliner Capsule Set to Return from Space Station Without Astronauts
Boeing’s Starliner capsule, which has faced numerous technical problems, is scheduled to return from the International Space Station (ISS) later this week, but without astronauts on board. Everything necessary are underway for the capsule’s Friday night landing from the International Space Station, NASA declared on Wednesday. The fully automated Starliner will make its way back to Earth and is expected to land in New Mexico’s White Sands Missile Range about six hours after departure.
Empty Return: Astronauts Stay Behind
Two NASA astronauts, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who initially flew to the ISS on the Starliner capsule, will not be returning on the spacecraft. They were supposed to be part of a weeklong test mission, but due to ongoing technical issues, their return has been postponed until February 2025. NASA decided it would be too risky for the astronauts to fly back on Starliner after encountering problems with the spacecraft’s thrusters and helium leaks. Instead, the astronauts will return to Earth aboard a SpaceX Dragon capsule in early 2025.
“We’re thrilled to have Starliner return,” expressed Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s commercial crew program. “It was an endeavor to get present.”
New Roles for Stuck Astronauts
Wilmore and Williams, who were originally set to return shortly after their mission, will now remain aboard the ISS until February. With their extended stay, they have transitioned into full-time ISS crew members, joining the seven astronauts already on board. They are participating in scientific experiments, maintaining the station, and increasing their exercise routines to stay healthy during their extended time in space. Prolonged exposure to weightlessness can weaken bones and muscles, so physical activity is essential for the astronauts’ well-being.
To accommodate the two astronauts’ return in February, SpaceX’s next Dragon capsule flight will launch with only two astronauts instead of the usual four. This reduction will make room for Wilmore and Williams to join the crew when the capsule returns to Earth.
Starliner’s Troubled History
Starliner has faced several setbacks since its inception. Boeing’s first test flight of the Starliner capsule in 2019 was unsuccessful due to software errors, preventing the spacecraft from reaching the ISS. The failed mission led to a three-year delay and a second test flight, which took place in June 2022. More issues occurred during that trip, triggering more delays and more than $1 billion in modifications.
The problems with Starliner continued during its recent mission. The capsule experienced multiple thruster malfunctions and helium leaks in its propulsion system. NASA disagreed, having Boeing undertaking significant thruster tests both on Ground and in space, and stating that the space shuttle was safe to return the astronauts to. This disagreement prompted NASA to arrange a “ride swap,” keeping the astronauts aboard the ISS and sending the capsule back to Earth without them.
Starliner’s Upcoming Journey Back to Earth
It is projected that the Starliner capsule will leave the ISS without difficulty. The capsule will be driven away from the station by springs, and then it will go beyond via a brief engine bursts. The original plan involved hovering near the ISS for about an hour to take pictures, but this has been reduced to 20 minutes to minimize stress on the capsule’s thrusters and protect the space station’s survivability.
Before reentering Earth’s atmosphere, Starliner will undergo additional thruster tests to gather valuable data. The section of the spacecraft containing the thrusters will be jettisoned before reentry, so it won’t return to Earth.
A Change in Mission for Wilmore and Williams
Despite the shift in their mission focus, Wilmore and Williams are adapting well to their extended stay aboard the ISS. Both astronauts, who are retired Navy captains, have previous experience living on the space station. NASA officials have stated that they are adjusting well to the new timeline. “Even though their main objective is now different, they are just as focused to accomplishing their objectives of human spacecraft going forward,” noted Anthony Vareha, the flight director.
In addition to the astronauts’ tasks aboard the ISS, Starliner will carry their blue Boeing spacesuits back to Earth, along with some outdated station equipment.
NASA’s Partnership with Boeing and SpaceX
Boeing’s ongoing issues with the Starliner capsule have been a point of concern for NASA. The space agency hired both Boeing and SpaceX over a decade ago to develop spacecraft capable of ferrying astronauts to and from the ISS after the retirement of NASA’s space shuttle program. While SpaceX achieved this goal in 2020 and has since launched nine NASA crews and four private customer missions, Boeing has struggled to meet the same success with Starliner.
As SpaceX continues its operations smoothly, Boeing faces additional challenges in proving the reliability and safety of its spacecraft. NASA’s focus on astronaut safety is paramount, and the agency will continue to monitor Starliner’s performance as it prepares for future missions.
With the upcoming return of the Starliner capsule, NASA and Boeing are hoping to gather important data from the spacecraft’s descent to ensure it meets safety standards for future missions. Boeing and NASA’s efforts are focused on bringing Starliner up to the same level of operational success as SpaceX’s Dragon capsule.
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