NASA Astronauts Stuck in Space Station: Boeing is preparing to bring its Starliner capsule back to Earth, but this time it will return without the two NASA astronauts it took to the International Space Station (ISS). The mission, which has faced numerous challenges, will see the capsule returning empty while the astronauts remain aboard the space station.
Boeing’s Starliner to Return Without Crew
Later this week, Boeing’s Starliner capsule is scheduled to undock from the ISS and begin its journey back to Earth. The capsule is expected to touch down at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, six hours after leaving the space station. Despite the capsule being built to carry astronauts, this return trip will have no one on board.
NASA decided it was too risky to bring the astronauts back in the Starliner due to issues with the capsule’s thrusters and helium leaks. Instead, the two astronauts, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, will stay on the ISS and return to Earth with SpaceX in February 2024.
A Series of Challenges for Boeing
The Starliner mission has faced multiple setbacks. The first test flight of the Starliner in 2019 was a failure, as the capsule never made it to the ISS due to software errors. The mission had to be repeated in 2022, but even then, new problems emerged. These issues led to more delays and more than $1 billion in repairs for Boeing.
When Starliner finally launched with the two astronauts on June 5, 2023, it faced additional challenges. The capsule experienced thruster failures and helium leaks as it approached the ISS. Although Boeing conducted extensive tests to ensure the capsule’s safety, NASA ultimately decided it was not safe for the astronauts to return in Starliner.
NASA’s Decision to Keep Astronauts on ISS
NASA’s decision to leave the astronauts on the ISS was not made lightly. The agency had to consider the risks associated with Starliner’s thruster problems and the possibility of further issues during reentry. By opting for a safer return in a SpaceX Dragon capsule, NASA aims to ensure the astronauts’ safety.
Wilmore and Williams, who are both retired Navy captains, are no strangers to life on the ISS. They have lived on the station before and are now considered full-time crew members. They are currently helping with various experiments and maintenance tasks alongside the seven other astronauts on board.
SpaceX to Provide Return Ride
To accommodate the astronauts’ extended stay on the ISS, NASA has adjusted the upcoming SpaceX mission. The Dragon capsule, which is set to launch in late September, will carry only two astronauts instead of the usual four. This reduction in crew size is necessary to free up space for Wilmore and Williams when they return in February.
SpaceX has been a reliable partner for NASA since it began ferrying astronauts to and from the ISS in 2020. Since then, SpaceX has launched nine crews for NASA and four for private customers. The upcoming mission will be another demonstration of SpaceX’s capability to safely transport astronauts.
Boeing’s Future in Space Travel
Boeing’s journey with the Starliner has been a challenging one. The company was hired by NASA, along with SpaceX, to develop a spacecraft capable of transporting astronauts after the retirement of the Space Shuttle program. While SpaceX successfully completed its mission in 2020, Boeing has struggled to meet expectations.
The Starliner’s return to Earth later this week will be closely watched, as it will determine the future of Boeing’s involvement in NASA’s crewed space missions. Despite the setbacks, Boeing remains committed to improving the Starliner and proving that it can safely carry astronauts in the future.
Looking Ahead
As Boeing works to bring the Starliner capsule back to Earth, the two NASA astronauts left behind on the ISS will continue their important work. The decision to return them safely with SpaceX highlights NASA’s commitment to astronaut safety, even when faced with unexpected challenges.
The return of the Starliner capsule, although empty, marks an important moment in Boeing’s journey in space exploration. The lessons learned from this mission will be crucial for future space travel, as both NASA and its partners continue to push the boundaries of what is possible.
