Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft has embarked on its journey back to Earth, leaving the astronauts it was intended to carry aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
The spacecraft, now operating in autonomous mode, has successfully undocked from the ISS.
This capsule, which encountered technical difficulties during its launch with astronauts, has been deemed too risky to bring them back safely.
The astronauts will now return in a SpaceX Crew Dragon, but their return is delayed until February, extending their stay on the ISS from eight days to eight months.
The Starliner is expected to complete its flight back within six hours, utilizing parachutes to ensure a safe landing at White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico.
Officials have reported that both astronauts are in good spirits and maintaining regular contact with their families.
According to a program manager, the astronauts are dedicated to completing their mission and understand the priority of safely returning the spacecraft.
This mission marks the first test flight of Boeing’s Starliner with astronauts onboard.
However, it faced numerous issues shortly after launching from Cape Canaveral.
Complications included helium leaks and malfunctioning thrusters, prompting months of troubleshooting by engineers.
In August, NASA determined that the spacecraft was not sufficiently safe to bring the astronauts home.
Despite Boeing’s confidence in the spacecraft’s safety, NASA officials expressed reservations due to the ongoing uncertainties regarding the vehicle’s performance.
The decision to utilize SpaceX for the astronauts’ return has resulted in significant delays.
SpaceX’s upcoming launch will now accommodate their return, with the crew size reduced to allow for their inclusion.
NASA officials have noted that the astronauts are adjusting well to their extended mission, having previously completed two long-duration stays in space.
The crew is adhering to exercise regimens to maintain their health in microgravity.
They now have all necessary supplies for their extended mission after a resupply mission provided additional gear tailored to their needs.
The challenges faced by Starliner represent a setback for Boeing, which is currently grappling with financial difficulties and efforts to restore its reputation in the aerospace industry.
A successful landing is imperative not only for Boeing but also for NASA, which aims to ensure continued reliance on American spacecraft for crewed missions.
Post-flight analyses will follow the vehicle’s return, with teams preparing for future operational certifications.
NASA remains committed to the partnership with Boeing as the agency works towards securing reliable transportation for crewed space missions.
Since the retirement of the Space Shuttle, the reliance on foreign spacecraft for crew transport has highlighted the need for American solutions.
Boeing and SpaceX were awarded contracts in 2014 to meet NASA’s needs for commercial crew flights, pointing to a significant evolution in the US space operations landscape.
Despite previous delays and technical challenges, NASA remains optimistic about the Starliner’s future, with assurance from officials about the spacecraft’s capability for future crewed missions.
