The Starliner spacecraft from NASA’s Boeing Crew Flight Test is pictured docked in the forward port of the Harmony module as the International Space Station orbited 263 miles (423 kilometers) above the Mediterranean Sea. Credit: NASA
Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft is stuck in the space station for the time being NASA and Boeing have adjusted the reentry schedule to address issues within the propulsion system while managing conflicts with planned airport spacewalks International Space Station.
This delay allows for extensive evaluations and system checks in parallel with the procedures of previous missions. While these assessments take place, astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams remain active aboard the ISS, equipped with adequate supplies and no pressing need to return to Earth anytime soon.
NASA and Boeing postpone Starliner return
Leadership at NASA and Boeing have readjusted the return to Earth of the Starliner Crew Flight Test spacecraft with astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams from the International Space Station (ISS). The move on Wednesday, June 26, prevents Starliner from undocking and landing from a series of planned spacewalks at the International Space Station, while giving mission teams time to review propulsion system data. Listen to a full replay (embedded below) of the June 18 media briefing where NASA and Boeing leaders discussed the ongoing efforts.
Mission management and safety assessments
“We are taking our time and following our standard mission management team process,” said Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. “We are letting the data drive our decision-making regarding management of the small helium system leaks and thruster performance we observed during the rendezvous and docking. Additionally, given the duration of the mission, it is appropriate that we complete an agency-level review similar to what was done prior to the NASA mission. SpaceX Demo-2 returns after two months in orbit to document the agency’s formal acceptance to proceed as planned.
Future return options and readiness
A media conference with mission leadership will follow the conclusion of the readiness assessment, and the agency will share these details once they are solidified. Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft remains cleared for return in the event of an emergency on the space station that required the crew to deorbit and return to Earth.
Mission managers are evaluating future return options following the station’s two scheduled spacewalks on Monday, June 24 and Tuesday, July 2.
An aurora flows beneath Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, which was docked at the forward port of the Harmony module as the International Space Station hovered 426 miles above the Indian Ocean southwest of Australia. Credit: NASA
In-space performance and crew integration
“Starliner performs well in orbit while docked with the space station,” Stich said. “We are using the additional time strategically to clear a path for some critical station activities while we complete preparations for Butch and Suni’s return to Starliner and gain valuable insight into the system upgrades we plan to make for post-certification missions. ”
NASA’s Boeing Crew Flight Test astronauts (from top) Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams pose for a portrait in the vestibule between the forward port of the International Space Station’s Harmony module and Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. Credit: NASA
Positive crew feedback and delivery status
Wilmore and Williams remain integrated with the Expedition 71 crew, assisting with station operations as needed and completing additional in-flight objectives for NASA certification of Starliner.
“The feedback from the crew has been overwhelmingly positive, and they know that every bit we learn during the Crew Flight Test will improve and sharpen our experience for future crews,” said Mark Nappi, vice president and program manager of the Starliner program. Boeing.
The crew won’t need time to leave the station as there are plenty of supplies in orbit and the station’s schedule is relatively open until mid-August.