This is perhaps the biggest absurdity in recent years at NASA and in space exploration. and, of course, this is the biggest task of the new era of open public-private collaboration in recent years.
On June 5, the Starliner, a reusable spacecraft developed by the Boeing Company, headed to the International Space Station for its first crewed flight with astronauts Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams. They were originally supposed to stay for a week. However, repeated failures of the ship led NASA to decide to return to a Dragon from Elon Musk’s SpaceX company in February next year.
The two astronauts will therefore be in orbit for 270 days. How are astronauts adapting to this situation? What steps is NASA taking to address issues related to Starliner? What will happen to the ship? We will see the ins and outs of a mission that has become complicated in a way that no one expected.
The Starliner test mission: a risky bet
The manned flight test mission of Starliner Boeing’s SpaceX, launched on June 5, 2024, marked a major milestone for NASA in its efforts to have two American vehicles capable of carrying astronauts to the ISS.
The main objective was to demonstrate that Starliner It could carry out long-term rotating missions. However, the technical problems detected, such as leaks in the helium system and failures in the thrusterscompromised the safety of the astronauts for the return trip. These problems were reminiscent of previous incidents, such as the space shuttle accident. Colombiawhich led NASA to opt for a more cautious approach.
Who are Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams?
Both astronauts, veterans of the U.S. Navy, have experienced space on previous missions. Williams, 58, and Wilmore, 61, had already spent considerable time in orbit before embarking on this mission. Williams’ experience includes 322 days in space since his first flight in 2007, while Wilmore had spent 178 days in orbit.
Despite their preparation and experience, this mission has become an unexpected challenge. As Steve Stich, NASA’s crew program manager, noted: “This test flight provides critical information about Starliner’s performance in space, which will greatly benefit future remediation efforts for the spacecraft.”
Life on the ISS: a routine of research and maintenance
During their extra time on the ISS, Wilmore and Williams must not only adjust to the wait, but also continue their vital tasks. The space station is a moving scientific laboratoryand astronauts participate in experiments ranging from the production of new materials such as optical fibers to plant biology in microgravity.
Their daily routine also includes maintenance tasks for the safe operation of the station. Although blocked, their role remains fundamental for the continuity of space research.
The logistics of the postponed return
The Starliner spacecraft, which was originally intended to be their means of return, will now return to Earth autonomously in September 2024. to free up a docking port for SpaceX’s Crew-9 missionwhose arrival is scheduled for September 24, 2024.
Wilmore and Williams will have to wait until February 2025 to return aboard a Dragon capsule, along with the Crew-9 crew. In the meantime, NASA has assured them that they have enough supplies, including food, water and oxygen, to last until their return.
Why will NASA bring back Starliner without astronauts?
NASA’s decision to return the Starliner to Earth without its crew was based on technical reviews that emphasized the need to prioritize safety. As NASA Associate Administrator Ken Bowersox said last week: “Given the level of uncertainty in Starliner systems and our high standards of performance and safety for human spaceflight, the agency could not accept more risk than necessary for the return of Butch and Suni.”
To minimize risks, SpaceX’s Crew-9 mission has been reorganized so that Wilmore and Williams can return in February 2025aboard the Dragon capsule.
It should be noted that the agency has awarded contracts to Boeing and SpaceX for the commissioning of their capsules and the management of six operational missions.
However, while SpaceX successfully completed its crewed flight test in 2020 and has completed six operational missions as of March this yearBoeing was causing continuous problems, which culminated in the current situation.
Preparations and emergency planning: what can happen
The Starliner has the capability to operate and return to Earth autonomously. Its return is scheduled for September 2024, at which time additional data will be collected to improve its design and safety.
NASA will review this data to decide whether the ship can be certified for future human spaceflight, which appears to be complicated. In the meantime, Wilmore and Williams remain part of the Expedition 71 teamwith other astronauts and cosmonauts, participating in scientific experiments and maintenance activities essential to the operation of the ISS.
While waiting for the arrival of SpaceX’s Crew-9, NASA has made contingency plans that would allow the Crew-8 mission’s Dragon capsule to be used as an escape option, now located at Node 2 of the ISS.
There are no concerns about the health of the astronauts
Wilmore and Williams’s more than extended stay on the ISS is not unprecedented in the history of space exploration. Previously, astronauts like Frank Rubio spent more than a year in orbit, providing valuable data on the effects of microgravity on the human body.
Both astronauts are well prepared to successfully complete an extended missionand the ISS is well-stocked with food, water, clothing and oxygen. Like any other ISS crew member, they can communicate with their families via email and video calls, also ensuring their emotional well-being during this unplanned mission.
The situation of Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams has been seen as a reminder of the complexity of the sector and the cost of introducing new players (private companies) without taking risks.
