NASA administrator Bill Nelson recently announced that US astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore will be returning next February with the SpaceX Crew-9 mission after spending more than 80 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The decision to return the astronauts with SpaceX instead of the Boeing Starliner was due to various issues faced by the latter during its mission. NASA found that there was too much uncertainty in predicting the thrusters’ performance, especially during the critical undock, de-orbit burn, and separation sequence. This uncertainty led to the decision to pursue an uncrewed test flight instead.
Responding to concerns about trusting Boeing again, NASA Associate Administrator Ken Bowersox acknowledged the tense discussions surrounding the decision. He mentioned that emotional investment in either option can lead to healthy discourse but also emphasized the importance of keeping the team together after making a difficult decision. Despite the challenges faced, NASA remains committed to working with Boeing. The debate over the level of risk involved in using the Starliner for crewed missions highlighted differing perspectives on safety measures between NASA and Boeing.
Originally scheduled for an eight-day mission, the Boeing Starliner faced several technical issues that extended the astronauts’ stay on the ISS. Thruster failures, helium leaks, and valve issues were among the challenges that plagued the spacecraft during its docking with the ISS. Tests conducted at NASA’s White Sands Test Facility revealed potential reasons for the thruster failures, including deformed Teflon seals. However, without definitive answers, NASA opted to bring the astronauts home via the Crew-9 mission with SpaceX instead.
Evaluating Risk
NASA Commercial Crew Program manager Steve Stich highlighted the importance of evaluating risks when it comes to crewed missions. The decision to prioritize astronaut safety led to the conclusion that the uncertainty in Starliner’s performance was too significant to overlook. Despite acknowledging Boeing’s efforts in building a model, there were discrepancies in assessing the level of risk involved. Stich emphasized the need for precision and accuracy in predicting spacecraft performance to ensure crew safety during space missions.
Looking ahead, NASA and Boeing aim to address the challenges faced during the Starliner mission and improve their collaboration for future endeavors. While there may be differences in approach and risk assessment, both parties recognize the importance of working together to overcome obstacles and achieve successful space missions. Enhancing communication and transparency in decision-making processes will be crucial in building trust and fostering a productive partnership between NASA and Boeing. As space exploration continues to advance, continuous improvement and collaboration will be key in pushing the boundaries of human spaceflight.