Boeing’s Starliner capsule recently undocked from the International Space Station much later than initially planned. The spacecraft left without the two astronauts it had delivered to orbit in early June. This unexpected turn of events led to NASA test pilots Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams staying at the ISS until February, when they will return to Earth aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft.
The return of Boeing’s Starliner capsule named “Calypso” marked the end of a test flight that lasted much longer than originally predicted by NASA. The agency experienced multiple delays in bringing back the capsule due to ongoing issues with its propulsion system. The spacecraft, which was initially set to spend about nine days in space, ended up spending three months at the ISS while Boeing addressed the problems with its thrusters.
Despite Boeing’s assurances in press briefings that the Starliner capsule was safe for the astronauts to fly home in case of an emergency, NASA made the decision to send the capsule back empty to further investigate the root causes of the issues. This setback not only hinders Boeing’s progress in NASA’s Commercial Crew Program but also puts the company’s future involvement in jeopardy, especially considering the significant losses of over $1.5 billion already absorbed.
The mishaps with the Starliner capsule have significant implications for NASA’s plans to have multiple companies, including Boeing and SpaceX, capable of flying missions to the ISS. The failed test flight has disrupted the timeline for Boeing’s involvement and raised concerns about its ability to deliver on its commitments. This setback could potentially impact the partnership between NASA and Boeing moving forward.
The extended test flight and subsequent issues with the Starliner capsule serve as a valuable learning experience for both Boeing and NASA. It underscores the importance of thorough testing and evaluation in the development of spacecraft and the need for transparency and communication in addressing challenges. The setbacks faced by Boeing’s Starliner should serve as a reminder of the complexities and uncertainties inherent in space exploration, pushing the industry to strive for continuous improvement and innovation.