The trouble began on May 6, when the launch of Boeing’s Starliner was called off due to an issue with the rocket’s pressure regulation valve. After fixing the problem, a new launch date was set for June 1, but a software glitch delayed it again. The Starliner finally took off on June 5, carrying Williams and Wilmore to the International Space Station (ISS).
The Starliner docked with the ISS on June 6, but soon after, NASA found helium leaks on the spacecraft. This led to a series of delays, pushing the return date from June 25 to July, and now into August. Despite NASA’s assurances, the exact return date remains uncertain.
Boeing’s Struggles
Boeing is under severe scrutiny due to its recent failures, including issues with its 737 MAX aircraft. The company’s problems with the Starliner have added to its woes. The company was awarded a $4.8 billion contract by NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, but its space projects have faced numerous technical problems and cost overruns, unlike its competitor, SpaceX.
NASA and Boeing are conducting over 100,000 computer simulations to find a safe way to bring Williams and Wilmore back to Earth. Despite this, the Starliner has not been approved for a return under non-emergency conditions.
Alternative Solutions
With the Starliner facing issues, there’s been discussion about using SpaceX’s Dragon capsule to bring the astronauts back. However, this would be a blow to Boeing’s reputation. NASA initially approved the Starliner for its high redundancy and safety features, but its current problems have cast doubt on its reliability.
The Future of Space Aviation
The situation highlights the need for reliability in space missions. While re-entry is technically less complex than docking with the ISS, the delays and ongoing issues with the Starliner are worrying. Whether it’s the Starliner, SpaceX’s Dragon, or another spacecraft, ensuring the safety of astronauts is the top priority.
As the world watches closely, it may be time for NASA to consider other options, such as ISRO’s Gaganyaan or the Dream Chaser spacecraft, to avoid future issues. For now, we hope for a swift and safe return for Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore.