NASA Extends Space Stay for 2 Astronauts Until February, Cancels Boeing Return

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — NASA has determined that returning two astronauts aboard Boeing’s troubled Starliner capsule poses too great a risk, pushing their return to Earth to next February via a SpaceX spacecraft. What was intended to be a brief week-long test flight is now extending to an extended eight-month duration.

The astronauts, seasoned spacecraft pilots Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, have been stationed at the International Space Station (ISS) since early June. Their journey began with multiple technical challenges, including thruster failures and helium leaks, causing them to remain in a holding pattern while NASA engineers assessed the situation and sought solutions.

Ultimately, on Saturday, NASA’s leadership made the critical decision. Wilmore and Williams will make their return home aboard a SpaceX vehicle, while the empty Starliner capsule will separate from the ISS in early September and attempt an autonomous landing.

Traditionally, the test pilots would be responsible for overseeing this vital phase of their mission, which would conclude in a touchdown within the United States desert.

“A test flight by nature is neither safe nor routine,” NASA Administrator Bill Nelson remarked, emphasizing the agency’s strong commitment to ensuring safety in space missions.

NASA Associate Administrator Jim Free echoed this sentiment, stating, “This has not been an easy decision, but it is absolutely the right one.” This situation has been particularly disappointing for Boeing, who had hoped that Starliner’s first crewed flight would help redeem its troubled program after numerous setbacks and escalating costs. Even amidst growing safety concerns, Boeing had maintained confidence in the capsule’s design following multiple thruster tests both in extraterrestrial and terrestrial settings.

While Boeing did not participate in the press briefing, they expressed their commitment through a statement: “Boeing continues to focus, first and foremost, on the safety of the crew and spacecraft. We are executing the mission as determined by NASA, and we are preparing the spacecraft for a safe and successful uncrewed return.”

Wilmore and Williams, both retired Navy captains with extensive experience in long-duration space missions, readily accepted the known unpredictability that comes with testing new spacecraft. However, the extent of the current challenges was unexpected.

Prior to their launch on June 5 from Florida’s Cape Canaveral, both expressed that their families had adjusted to the uncertainties tied to their careers over the years. During their only media engagement from orbit last month, they confidently conveyed their trust in the ongoing thruster evaluations, expressing satisfaction and a sense of purpose in assisting with operations aboard the ISS.

Wilmore’s wife, Deanna, shared her pragmatic perspective during an interview earlier this month, indicating her readiness for a potential delay until February, stating simply, “You just sort of have to roll with it.”

The astronauts have had limited options regarding their return. The SpaceX capsule currently docked at the ISS is already scheduled to transport four astronauts back home in late September, a mission that has been extended by a month due to the ongoing predicament with Starliner. NASA determined it would be unsafe to add Wilmore and Williams to the already full crew, except in the case of an emergency.

The Russian Soyuz spacecraft, which is also docked at the station, has minimal capacity, able to accommodate just three crew members — two of whom are completing a year-long mission.

Consequently, Wilmore and Williams will wait for the next SpaceX flight, set for late September. This upcoming launch is poised to carry only two astronauts instead of the typical four, to create room for the pair on the February return flight.

NASA did not seriously consider a rapid rescue by SpaceX. In a recurring incident last year, the Russian Space Agency had to launch an emergency replacement Soyuz for three astronauts after their initial vehicle was damaged by space debris, extending their mission beyond a year—a record for U.S. space endurance held by Frank Rubio.

The issues with the Starliner capsule predate this recent mission. Software errors derailed its first unmanned test flight in 2019, requiring a redo in 2022. Additional complications, including parachute failures and helium leaks, have led to multiple delays. Though the sources of these helium leaks were eventually narrowed down and deemed isolated, other failures emerged during and post-launch, with thruster issues arising mid-flight.

The thrusters, which are crucial for maneuvering during docking and ensuring the capsule’s stability re-entering Earth’s atmosphere, remain a mystery for engineers. Questions abound regarding the swelling of seals in some of the capsule’s thrusters.

In light of previous tragedies, including the 2003 Columbia disaster, NASA is prioritizing open discussion regarding Starliner’s returnability, ensuring all viewpoints are considered thoroughly. Lessons from past accidents emphasize the need for a transparent approach.

Despite the current complications, NASA remains optimistic about Boeing’s future in the commercial crew program. Initiated a decade ago, NASA aimed to have two competing companies ferry astronauts as a new phase began post-space shuttle era. Boeing secured a larger contract totaling over $4 billion, while SpaceX received $2.6 billion. Yet, while SpaceX has conducted numerous successful crewed flights since 2020, Boeing continues to grapple with significant design challenges that have already cost over $1 billion. NASA has not dismissed the possibility that Starliner’s operational issues may be resolved, potentially enabling another crewed flight in the near future.

Source: AP