Produced by: Tarun Mishra
NASA Delays Starliner Return Review
NASA has postponed the return readiness review for Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, pushing the meeting to at least next week. The decision comes as teams continue to analyse data from recent tests.
Extended Mission for Starliner Crew
Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who were scheduled to return from the International Space Station (ISS) after an eight-day mission, remain in orbit as the spacecraft’s issues are addressed.
Technical Issues Identified
During the mission, Starliner experienced failures in five of its 28 reaction control thrusters and several helium leaks. These issues have required further testing and analysis to ensure the spacecraft’s safe return.
Ground and Hot Fire Tests Conducted
NASA and Boeing conducted ground tests and a hot fire test on 27 of the 28 thrusters to replicate conditions experienced during the mission. The hot fire test aimed to verify thruster capability and check for helium leaks.
Further Analysis Needed
NASA’s update indicated that teams need additional time to review the hot-fire test data, finalize the flight rationale, and confirm the propulsion system’s reliability for re-entry.
Simulated Return Procedures
This week, Boeing and NASA simulated Starliner’s undocking procedures. This included coordination between Mission Control in Houston and Boeing’s Mission Control Center, with astronauts on the ISS participating.
Spacesuit and Spacecraft Checks
Williams and Wilmore conducted pressure checks on their spacesuits and inspected Starliner’s exterior using the ISS’s Canadarm, as part of the preparation for the spacecraft’s return.
Starliner and SpaceX Crew-9 Coordination
NASA is also planning for the upcoming SpaceX Crew-9 launch, targeting as early as August 18. The ISS can only accommodate two docking spacecraft, so Starliner must depart or Crew-8 must return before Crew-9’s arrival.
Starliner’s Future Missions
Starliner’s Crew Flight Test (CFT) is critical for NASA’s certification, enabling Boeing to share crew missions with SpaceX. While SpaceX continues its operational missions, Starliner-1, the first operational mission, is now targeted for at least August 2025.
