In an unexpected turn of events, the Boeing Starliner's crewed test flight has concluded without bringing its astronaut passengers home. NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who have called the International Space Station home since June, will instead hitch a ride back to Earth aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft in February. Concerns over the reliability of Starliner's thruster system and helium leaks precipitated this decision, which was announced following extensive review. In a statement obtained by the Houston Chronicle, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson emphasized the decision stemmed from a "commitment to safety."
Boeing's spacecraft, although unmanned, will make its return journey in early September, NASA officials have confirmed. The CBS News report quoted Nelson, "We want to further understand the root causes (of the earlier problems) and understand the design improvements so that the Boeing Starliner will serve as an important part of our assured crew access to the ISS." The astronauts, originally intended to spend a mere week on the ISS, will now experience a record-setting duration in orbit on account of technical uncertainties with the craft that brought them there.
Despite the setback for Boeing, NASA has not waned in its commitment to the Starliner program. "We have options for how we move forward," NASA's Space Operations Mission Directorate Associate Administrator Ken Bowersox stated, as reported by the Houston Chronicle. The partnership remains crucial to NASA's goals of having a backup transportation system to the ISS and maintaining an American presence in space. New Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg has assured the space agency of ongoing efforts to resolve the Starliner's technical issues once the spacecraft is back on Earth.
This crew change means two prospective astronauts of the SpaceX Crew-9 mission will have an empty seat to give Wilmore and Williams passage home next year. The Crew-9 mission, as part of NASA's Commercial Crew Program, will maintain its scheduled launch no earlier than September 24, according to the Houston Chronicle. Upon their return, Wilmore and Williams will have flown in four different spacecraft—a first in astronautical history. Meanwhile, the space station will maintain its operational capacity with the current Crew 8 Dragon serving as a lifeboat in the unlikely event of an emergency evacuation before Crew 9's arrival.
Boeing's journey to a successful crewed mission has been fraught with delays and additional costs, as detailed by CBS News. Delays in development and a series of technical challenges in the past few months have led to costs soaring over $1.5 billion beyond their NASA contract. Despite the hurdles, Boeing reaffirmed its focus on safety and mission execution following the recent NASA announcement, emphasizing its preparations for an uncrewed and secure return of the Starliner.
