As the NASA astronauts continue to be docked at the International Space Station beyond their scheduled stint, concerns have been raised regarding the contingency plans for their return. While Boeing’s Starliner was initially the primary choice for bringing the crew back to Earth, recent developments have warranted a reevaluation of the available options.
Potential Alternatives to Starliner
With the prolonged stay of the astronauts on the ISS, the agency’s leadership has started to consider other possibilities for returning the crew safely. While Starliner remains the primary choice, there has been talk of SpaceX’s Crew Dragon being a potential alternative if needed. However, at this point, NASA is still leaning towards utilizing Starliner for the return journey.
Boeing and NASA have been facing challenges with Starliner, particularly concerning the spacecraft’s thruster technology. The recent testing in White Sands, New Mexico, aimed to address the issue of thrusters shutting down during maneuvers to dock with the ISS. The ground testing has been crucial in determining the spacecraft’s readiness for the return trip.
The ongoing testing and inspections of Starliner’s thrusters have been critical in understanding the cause of the previous malfunction. According to Boeing’s Mark Nappi, the testing is aimed at ensuring that the thrusters are performing as expected to facilitate a safe undocking and return to Earth. The need to fill in any gaps and address potential damage to the thrusters is paramount for the success of the mission.
Despite the challenges faced by Starliner, both astronauts, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, have expressed confidence in the spacecraft’s ability to bring them back from the ISS. They have trust in the testing procedures being carried out to ensure a safe and successful return. This level of confidence is crucial in maintaining the morale and focus of the crew during this critical phase of the mission.
Initially positioned as a competitor to SpaceX’s Dragon, Starliner has faced setbacks and delays that have relegated it to a secondary position in NASA’s crew transportation plans. With SpaceX having completed numerous successful trips to the ISS, Starliner is now playing catch-up in proving its reliability and safety for transporting astronauts.
Future Prospects for Starliner
The upcoming crew flight test for Starliner represents a crucial step in gaining NASA’s certification for operational missions. If successful, Boeing could potentially start flying crew on six-month missions as early as February. However, the current challenges and the need for thorough testing highlight the importance of having alternative options in place for contingencies.
While Boeing’s Starliner remains the primary choice for returning the astronauts from the ISS, the recent challenges have underscored the need for considering alternative options such as SpaceX’s Crew Dragon. The ongoing testing and inspections are crucial in addressing the issues faced by Starliner and ensuring a safe journey back to Earth for the crew. As the mission progresses, it is essential to be prepared for any scenario that may require a shift in the transportation plans.