NASA Astronauts Are Still ‘Stuck in Space’ (Kind Of)

By: Sam Watanuki | Published: Jul 31, 2024

On June 5, NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams launched from Florida on Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. This mission, which had faced multiple delays, was meant to last about a week.

The excitement was palpable as Starliner embarked on its first crewed mission, showcasing the potential for future regular trips to the ISS.

Encountering Unexpected Issues

Shortly after launch, however, the Starliner experienced helium leaks, a problem that had been monitored before takeoff. These issues caused a delay in the spacecraft’s final approach to the ISS.

Advertisement
Astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Butch Wilmore in front of the Boeing Starliner craft.

Source: NASA/Kim Shiflett/Wikimedia Commons

Despite this, the astronauts managed to dock safely on June 6, demonstrating their skill and the spacecraft’s resilience under pressure.

Extending the Mission Duration

Originally planned as a 10-day mission, the Crew Flight Test (CFT) was extended due to the spacecraft’s technical issues. By July, Wilmore and Williams had spent over 45 days in space, living off existing reserves of food, oxygen, and other critical supplies.

Advertisement
A Boeing Starliner test launch seen in progress with clouds of smoke around the launch pad in 2022.

Source: NASA/Joel Kowsky/Wikimedia Commons

NASA emphasized the astronauts’ safety, noting that their spacecraft was performing well despite the challenges.

Thruster Problems and Solutions

NASA and Boeing discovered that the thrusters in Starliner’s reaction control system were overheating, causing insulation to bulge and shed Teflon. This restricted propulsion flow, explaining the thruster issues during docking.

Advertisement
Boeing’s Starliner craft approaching the International Space Station with Earth seen below it.

Source: Bob Hines/NASA/Wikimedia Commons

Ground tests at White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico provided crucial data to address these problems.

Emergency Preparedness on the ISS

On June 26, space debris from a Russian satellite prompted an emergency protocol on the ISS.

Advertisement
A photograph of the international space station

Source: Getty Images

All crew members, including Wilmore and Williams, prepared to shelter in their return spacecraft.

Monitoring Helium Leaks

Helium leaks, though manageable, continued to be a focus for NASA and Boeing. These leaks are not uncommon in spacecraft, and both agencies worked diligently to understand and resolve the issue.

Advertisement
Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft approaching the International Space Station amid black space.

Source: Bob Hines/NASA/Wikimedia Commons

Starliner’s extended stay at the ISS allowed engineers to conduct thorough tests and gather essential data.

Advertisement

Positive Signs from Recent Tests

On July 27, NASA and Boeing conducted another hot fire of Starliner’s propulsion system. Early indications showed that 27 out of 28 thrusters performed to specification.

Advertisement
Workers putting together the Starliner capsule in a factory in 2019.

Source: NASA/Wikimedia Commons

This successful test boosted confidence in the spacecraft’s capability to return the astronauts safely to Earth.

Advertisement

Communication and Transparency

During a press conference on June 28, NASA and Boeing addressed concerns about the lack of updates, emphasizing their focus on troubleshooting the spacecraft’s issues.

Advertisement
A photograph of a reporter conducting an interview

Source: Wikimedia

Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, reassured the public that Wilmore and Williams were safe and that the team was making great progress.

Advertisement

Starliner's Unique Role

Starliner’s mission is crucial for developing a reliable US-made spacecraft for transporting crew to the ISS. The insights gained from this mission will inform future operations and improvements.

Advertisement
The International Space Station seen above Earth in space.

Source: NASA/Wikimedia Commons

Despite the current challenges, NASA and Boeing remain committed to the success of the Starliner program.

Advertisement

Backup Plans and Safety Measures

NASA has a backup plan involving SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft, though it is not currently needed.

Advertisement
A rendering of SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule in space.

Source: NASA/SpaceX/Wikimedia Commons

Both NASA and Boeing have emphasized that safety is the top priority. The decision to return Wilmore and Williams will be made based on comprehensive data and rigorous testing.

Advertisement

Astronauts’ Confidence in the Mission

Wilmore and Williams have expressed confidence in the mission’s progress.

Advertisement
NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore posing and smiling in front of the Starliner capsule.

Source: NASA/Wikimedia Commons

“Everything’s in place, as far as what we know now,” Wilmore said on July 10. The astronauts are prepared to return home when the time is right, assured that the necessary steps are being taken for their safety.

Advertisement

Looking Ahead to Future Missions

Starliner’s mission has provided invaluable learning opportunities for NASA and Boeing. As engineers continue to address the spacecraft’s issues, future missions will benefit from the insights gained.

Advertisement
Boeing’s Starliner capsule attached to a rocket seen on the ground in the daytime.

Source: NASA/Wikimedia Commons

However, the important thing now is to ensure the safe return of Wilmore and Williams.

Advertisement