Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, which was meant to return to Earth from the International Space Station with its first crew of astronauts, has faced yet another delay according to NASA. The return was initially scheduled for June 26th, but due to testing and technical issues, a new return date has not been provided. This raises questions about when the mission’s two astronauts, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, will be able to return home.
The crewed test of the Starliner spacecraft has encountered several setbacks, including five failures of its maneuvering thrusters, multiple helium leaks, and a slow-moving propellant valve. These issues have forced NASA and Boeing to conduct additional tests and further delays, casting doubt on when the spacecraft will be ready for its crewed return journey.
Boeing has already spent $1.5 billion in cost overruns on top of its $4.5 billion NASA development contract for the Starliner program. The company has faced challenges with software glitches, design problems, and disputes with subcontractors for years. The delays and technical issues with the Starliner spacecraft add to the list of broader problems Boeing has faced with its space program.
NASA aims for the Starliner spacecraft to become a second U.S. spacecraft capable of ferrying astronauts to and from the ISS, alongside SpaceX’s Crew Dragon. SpaceX has been NASA’s primary ride since 2020, and the delays and challenges faced by Boeing’s Starliner program have put them at a disadvantage in the competitive space industry.
The return of the Starliner spacecraft to Earth represents the most complicated phase of its test mission. NASA officials are working to understand the underlying causes of the thruster failures, valve issues, and helium leaks before the spacecraft embarks on its return journey. The spacecraft’s maneuvering thrusters must allow for “6-degrees of freedom of control,” according to flight rules, which adds another layer of complexity to the situation.
Boeing’s Starliner program continues to face challenges and delays, raising concerns about the future of the spacecraft’s crewed missions to the International Space Station. The technical issues, cost overruns, and competition with SpaceX have put pressure on Boeing to address the problems and deliver on their commitments to NASA. As the space industry becomes increasingly competitive, Boeing will need to overcome these obstacles to remain a key player in space exploration.