NASA to Extend Astronauts' Space Station Stay, Opts for SpaceX Return

NASA has decided that it is too risky to bring two astronauts back to Earth in Boeing's new capsule. Instead, they will return next year with SpaceX. What was supposed to be a week-long test flight has now extended to over eight months. The astronauts have been at the International Space Station since June.

The decision came after nearly three months of deliberation. NASA's top officials announced on Saturday that Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams will return in a SpaceX spacecraft in February. Their empty Starliner capsule will undock in early September and attempt an autopilot return, landing in the New Mexico desert.

Safety Concerns and Delays

Boeing had hoped this mission would revive its troubled program, which has faced years of delays and rising costs. The company had assured that Starliner was safe based on recent thruster tests. However, a series of thruster failures and helium leaks marred the mission, leading to the current situation.

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson stated, "A test flight by nature is neither safe nor routine," emphasising the commitment to safety. Jim Free, NASA's associate administrator, added, "This has not been an easy decision, but it is absolutely the right one."

Challenges Faced by Astronauts

Wilmore and Williams, both retired Navy captains with extensive spaceflight experience, expected some surprises but not to this extent. Before their June 5 launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida, they acknowledged the uncertainty and stress involved in their careers. During an orbital news conference last month, they expressed trust in the ongoing thruster tests and had no complaints about their extended stay.

NASA's Norm Knight mentioned that he spoke with the astronauts on Saturday, and they fully support the decision to delay their return. Wilmore's wife, Deanna, had already anticipated a delay until February, saying, "You just sort of have to roll with it."

Limited Options for Return

The SpaceX capsule currently at the space station is reserved for four residents who have been there since March. They will return in late September. NASA deemed it unsafe to add two more astronauts to this capsule except in an emergency. The Russian Soyuz capsule docked at the station can only accommodate three people.

Therefore, Wilmore and Williams will wait for SpaceX's next taxi flight scheduled for late September. This flight will carry two astronauts instead of four for a six-month stay. NASA adjusted the crew size to make room for Wilmore and Williams on the return flight in late February.

Boeing's Statement and Future Plans

Boeing did not participate in NASA's news conference but released a statement: "Boeing continues to focus, first and foremost, on the safety of the crew and spacecraft. We are executing the mission as determined by NASA, and we are preparing the spacecraft for a safe and successful uncrewed return."

Despite these setbacks, NASA remains optimistic about Boeing's future contributions. Nelson expressed confidence that Starliner would fly again. NASA initially aimed for two competing US companies to ferry astronauts post-shuttle era. Boeing won a larger contract worth over USD 4 billion compared to SpaceX's USD 2.6 billion.

Technical Issues with Starliner

Starliner's problems began long before this mission. A failed software test flight without a crew in 2019 led to a redo in 2022. Other issues like parachute problems and helium leaks also emerged. Despite deeming a helium leak small enough not to pose concern initially, more leaks appeared after liftoff along with five thruster failures.

Engineers are still puzzled why some thruster seals swell and obstruct propellant lines before returning to normal size. These 28 thrusters are crucial for space station rendezvous and keeping the capsule correctly oriented during reentry.

NASA officials hope that Starliner's issues can be resolved for another crew flight within a year or so. The agency remains committed to having two US companies capable of ferrying astronauts.

The decision underscores NASA's commitment to safety while highlighting ongoing challenges faced by Boeing's Starliner program.