Produced by: Tarun Mishra
NASA to Provide Critical Starliner Update
NASA is scheduled to give a crucial update on the Boeing Starliner mission today, determining the next steps for astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who have been aboard the International Space Station (ISS) since June 6.
Media Teleconference Scheduled
The agency will host a media teleconference at 1 p.m. EDT (10:30 p.m. IST) to discuss the challenges faced by the Starliner spacecraft and potential strategies for safely returning the astronauts to Earth.
Starliner Mission Overview
The Boeing Crew Flight Test (CFT) mission, launched on June 5, marked Boeing’s first attempt to use its Starliner capsule to transport astronauts as part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, aimed at expanding access to low Earth orbit.
Technical Issues Post-Launch
Despite a successful launch, the Starliner encountered significant technical problems after docking with the ISS, including thruster anomalies and helium leaks, which have delayed the astronauts’ return to Earth.
NASA’s Current Evaluations
NASA’s mission managers are currently assessing the Starliner’s readiness, with a decision expected today. While the primary goal is to bring the astronauts back on the Starliner, NASA is also considering alternative options.
Alternative Return Plans
One alternative involves using SpaceX’s upcoming Crew 9 mission, scheduled for September 25, 2024. This plan could bring Williams and Wilmore back to Earth in early 2025 by modifying the Crew 9 Dragon spacecraft to accommodate them.
Technical Challenges to Resolve
The focus remains on addressing the Starliner’s technical issues to enable a safe return using the original spacecraft. This might include reconfiguring the Starliner’s software or even an uncrewed undocking to facilitate repairs.
Follow the Update
The media teleconference will be streamed live on NASA’s website. The outcome of this briefing is expected to clarify the future steps for the mission and the safe return of the astronauts.
