Kavita Bisht
Currently, Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams are testing Boeing’s new Starliner spacecraft. Their eight-day mission has been extended to stay at the International Space Station (ISS) due to a number of concerns that have arisen. As NASA attempts to address these issues, the return date is still unknown.
Mission Specifics and Difficulties
With great expectations for Starliner’s successful test flight, the mission got underway on June 5. Nevertheless, the capsule ran into serious technical issues:
- Five releases of helium
- Five thruster failures during maneuvering
- A problem with the propellant valve
Due to these problems, the astronauts’ eight-day stay has been extended by mission engineers, delaying their originally intended return date of June 26 to an undisclosed later date.
Present Situation
NASA just revealed that the Starliner’s homecoming will be delayed once more. A return opportunity is being assessed by the mission managers following the ISS’s scheduled spacewalks on June 24 and July 2. NASA’s Commercial Crew Program manager, Steve Stich, stressed that the team is taking its time to guarantee safety and obtain important information for upcoming missions. With backup systems, Starliner can remain docked at the International Space Station (ISS), which is frequently referred to as a “mini city in space,” for up to 45 days.
Potential Solutions and Future Plans
According to a source with knowledge of NASA’s mission schedule, July 6 is the latest estimated return date. NASA may think about utilizing a different spaceship, like SpaceX’s Crew Dragon, to safely return the astronauts home if more issues develop. Professor of aeronautical engineering at New York University Katsuo Kurabayashi stated that there shouldn’t be any major worries about a very difficult rescue mission or upcoming Starliner-based missions due to the current delay.
Takeaway
Prior to NASA approving Starliner as a dependable means of transportation to the International Space Station, this mission will be the craft’s first attempt to launch astronauts into orbit. A coolant leak on Russia’s Soyuz capsule in 2022 was the last occasion NASA required an alternate return flight. If Starliner is certified, it will join SpaceX’s Crew Dragon as the second American spaceship that can carry people into orbit and reach the International Space Station.
NASA is making great efforts to resolve the Starliner’s mechanical problems while Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore continue their prolonged stay at the International Space Station (ISS). Though difficult, the existing state of affairs provides insightful information for upcoming missions. NASA is still dedicated to safely returning the astronauts home, whether it means finding an alternate return route or executing successful repairs.
