Stranded Boeing Astronauts
For more than two months, Williams and Wilmore have been stuck on the International Space Station (ISS).
Source: NASA Johnson Space Center/Wikimedia Commons
The two were a part of Boeing’s first crewed mission, which sent them up into space in the Starliner, eventually docking at the ISS for what was supposed to be only a week’s stay.
Problems Plague Boeing’s Starliner
However, problems have occurred seemingly every step of the way for Boeing’s Starliner. At first, the launch of the Starliner was scrubbed multiple times — sometimes so last minute that Wilmore and Williams were already strapped into their seats in the capsule.
Source: NASA Johnson Space Center/Wikimedia Commons
Other issues arose when the Starliner went into orbit and prepared to dock with the ISS.
Analyzing These Issues
Because of these many unexpected issues, NASA and Boeing have worked to analyze all the problems that the Starliner had while Williams and Wilmore were on the ISS.
Source: NASA Johnson Space Center/Wikimedia Commons
This also led to the team delaying the astronauts’ return to Earth. What was supposed to be a week’s stay has turned into a few months.
A New Update
Now, NASA has officially updated the public on when they can expect to see Williams and Wilmore back down on Earth — and the update is quite astonishing.
Source: NASA Johnson Space Center/Wikimedia Commons
According to NASA officials, it is too risky to bring Williams and Wilmore back home on the Starliner. As a result, they’re not going to.
Starliner Will Return to Earth Empty
NASA has further revealed that Boeing’s Starliner craft will return to Earth — but it won’t have the astronauts inside it.
Source: NASA/Wikimedia Commons
Instead, Starliner will return to Earth empty. The capsule will undock from the ISS in September. It will then attempt to return to Earth while on autopilot, touching down in a desert in New Mexico.
How Will the Stranded Astronauts Return?
Officials have stated that Williams and Wilmore will stay on the ISS for another few months, making their journey in space extend from a week into a whopping eight months.
Source: NASA Johnson Space Center/Wikimedia Commons
Next year, in 2025, the duo will return to Earth in a SpaceX craft.
A Difficult Decision
Jim Free, NASA’s associate administrator, opened up about how this decision was incredibly difficult to make.
Source: NASA Kennedy Space Center/NASA/Lacey Young/Wikimedia Commons
Free explained, “This has not been an easy decision, but it is absolutely the right one.”
The Main Issues
While Starliner has had various issues — such as persistent helium leaks both before and after launch — officials have noted that the failing thrusters have mainly been the cause of this push to have the astronauts return to Earth with SpaceX.
Source: NASA Johnson Space Center/Wikimedia Commons
While the Starliner was initially docking with the ISS months ago, five thrusters failed. So far, four have come back online, yet issues have remained.
Not Enough Options to Choose From
Experts have noted that NASA officials didn’t have a ton of options to choose from. Allowing Williams and Wilmore to return on a SpaceX capsule next February was truly the only choice they could make.
Source: NASA Johnson Space Center/Wikimedia Commons
The current SpaceX capsule docked at the ISS is set to return with four astronauts who have been up in space since March. There isn’t enough room to safely add two more astronauts into the capsule. The same goes for the Russian Soyuz capsule, which only allows for three spaces.
Boeing’s Response
Boeing notably wasn’t present in the NASA news conference that occurred this weekend. However, the company did release a statement.
Source: NASA Kennedy Space Center/NASA/Glenn Benson/Wikimedia Commons
The statement said, “Boeing continues to focus, first and foremost, on the safety of the crew and spacecraft.” The company added that the craft was prepared “for a safe and successful return.”
Yet Another Blow to Boeing
This announcement that the Boeing Starliner craft was not safe enough to return the astronauts to Earth has come as yet another blow to the troubled company.
Source: NASA Kennedy Space Center/NASA/JSC/Wikimedia Commons
For much of this year, Boeing has been under fire for their airplanes, as various jets have had to make emergency landings because of problems. Now, their spacecraft and ability to keep both fliers and astronauts safe has become headline news.