Boeing’s Starliner Faces Uncertain Future After Test Flight Issues
More than six months have passed since Boeing’s Starliner astronaut capsule faced significant technical challenges during its crewed test mission. The Crew Flight Test (CFT), which launched on June 5, aimed to transport NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams to the International Space Station (ISS) for a planned 10-day stay. However, complications such as helium leaks and thruster malfunctions forced NASA to return the spacecraft uncrewed, culminating in a landing in the New Mexico desert on September 6. Both astronauts have since been reassigned to another mission, which concluded on March 18, using SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule for their return.
Technical Issues Under Review
NASA’s Commercial Crew Program Manager, Steve Stich, provided updates on the ongoing review of Starliner’s helium system during a recent press briefing. The investigation focuses on potential solutions, including the replacement of specific seals and conducting tests at NASA’s White Sands facility in New Mexico. The CFT mission experienced failures in five of the 28 reaction control system thrusters, with ground tests indicating that excessive heat buildup caused Teflon seals to deform. To address these issues, NASA and Boeing are collaborating on adjustments to the thruster heating and firing sequences. This comprehensive review aims to ensure the reliability of the Starliner for future missions.
Uncertainty Over Next Crewed Flight
The timeline for Starliner’s next flight, particularly regarding whether it will carry astronauts, remains unclear. Stich indicated that while the upcoming mission may be uncrewed, all necessary systems will be prepared for human travel. NASA’s goal is to certify the capsule for operational, long-duration missions once the technical challenges are resolved. Stich emphasized the importance of maintaining multiple crew transportation options, noting that the recent use of Crew Dragon for astronaut returns highlights the necessity of continuing Starliner’s development. This redundancy is crucial for ensuring safe operations in low Earth orbit.
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