The Starliner spacecraft in NASA’s Boeing Crew Flight Test is docked to the forward port of the Harmony module as the International Space Station orbits 263 miles above the Mediterranean Sea. Image credit: NASA
Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft is currently stuck in the space station. NASA and Boeing have adjusted the return schedule to address propulsion system issues while managing conflicts with scheduled spacewalks. International Space Station.
This delay allows for comprehensive reviews and systems checks consistent with procedures used on previous missions. While these assessments take place, astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams remain active aboard the ISS, equipped with ample supplies and with no urgent need to return to Earth any time soon.
NASA and Boeing delay the return of the Starliner
NASA and Boeing leadership have re-aligned the return of the Starliner Crew Flight Test spacecraft carrying astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams from the International Space Station (ISS) to Earth. The launch on Wednesday, June 26, offloads the Starliner undocking and landing from a series of planned International Space Station spacewalks while also giving mission teams time to review propulsion system data. Listen to a full replay (embedded below) of the June 18 press conference where NASA and Boeing leadership discussed the ongoing effort.
Mission management and security clearances
“We are taking our time and following our standard process for the mission management team,” said Steve Stich, NASA’s Commercial Crew Program manager. “We are letting the data guide our decisions regarding how to handle the small leaks in the helium system and engine performance that we observed during rendezvous and docking. Additionally, given the duration of the mission, it is appropriate that we conduct an agency-level review similar to what was done prior to the NASA review. SpaceX Return of Demo-2 after two months in orbit to document the Agency’s formal approval of its continued operation as planned.”
Future return opportunities and willingness
There will be a media teleconference with mission management after the readiness review is complete, and the agency will release those details as they become finalized. Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft remains cleared for return should an emergency occur on the space station that requires the crew to deorbit and return to Earth.
Mission managers are currently evaluating future return options following the station’s two planned spacewalks on Monday, June 24 and Tuesday, July 2.
An aurora streams beneath Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft docked to the forward port of the Harmony module as the International Space Station hovers 266 miles above the Indian Ocean southwest of Australia. Image credit: NASA
In-orbit performance and crew integration
“Starliner is performing well in orbit while docked to the space station,” Stich said. “We are using the extra time strategically to clear the way for some critical station activities while we complete preparations for Butch and Suni’s return with Starliner and gain valuable insight into the system upgrades we plan to make for post-certification missions.”
NASA Boeing Crew Flight Test astronauts (from top) Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams pose for a portrait in the antechamber between the forward port of the International Space Station’s Harmony module and Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. Image credit: NASA
Positive crew feedback and supply status
Wilmore and Williams will remain integrated into the Expedition 71 crew, supporting station operations as needed and completing additional flight objectives for NASA certification of the Starliner.
“The feedback from the crew has been consistently positive and they know that everything we learn during Crew Flight Test will enhance and deepen our experience for future crews,” said Mark Nappi, vice president and program manager of Boeing’s Starliner program.
The crew is not under any time pressure to leave the station, as there are plenty of supplies in orbit and the station’s schedule is relatively free until mid-August.