What’s gone wrong with the Boeing Starliner mission?

Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, a critical component of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, was set to make its mark with a successful crewed flight to the International Space Station (ISS). However, what began as a straightforward mission to demonstrate the spacecraft’s capabilities has turned into a significant challenge, leaving astronauts stranded in space and prompting an urgent review of the spacecraft’s future.

Technical failures: a complex web of issues

The Starliner faced several technical challenges that compromised the mission. The primary issues were identified in the spacecraft's propulsion and helium systems. NASA and Boeing have been collecting extensive data from both in-space sensors and ground-based systems to diagnose the problem. The most pressing concern centres around the control thrusters. These thrusters are essential for manoeuvring the spacecraft, especially during the delicate process of undocking from the ISS. Due to the malfunction, there is a heightened risk of unpredictable behaviour, which could potentially lead to a collision with the space station. Such a scenario not only jeopardises the safety of the ISS but also complicates any planned return manoeuvres.

Complicating matters further, the propulsion issues mean that the Starliner could have difficulty maintaining a stable orbit or executing a controlled re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere. With these risks in mind, NASA is carefully considering all possible outcomes before deciding on the best course of action to safely return the astronauts.

Stranded astronauts and halted ISS operations

The astronauts aboard the Starliner, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, originally planned for a short stay at the ISS, have now had their mission significantly extended. The extended duration presents multiple challenges, both psychological and physiological, for the astronauts. Living in space for prolonged periods can have adverse effects, including muscle atrophy, bone density loss, and psychological stress due to isolation and confinement. Additionally, the resources aboard the ISS, such as food, water, and oxygen, are meticulously calculated for the crew on board. An extended mission requires re-evaluating these resources and potentially adjusting the station’s supply chain.

Moreover, the uncertainty surrounding their return has created a tense situation. The astronauts are in good spirits, engaging in scientific research and maintenance activities, but the looming uncertainty of their return timeline adds a layer of anxiety to the mission. NASA’s focus has shifted to ensuring their safety and comfort until a clear and safe plan is in place.

Options for a safe return

NASA and Boeing are currently exploring several options for bringing the astronauts back to Earth safely. The most straightforward solution would be to use the Starliner for the return trip as initially planned. However, given the unresolved technical issues, this option carries significant risk. An alternative, which is gaining traction, involves sending the astronauts back to Earth aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule. The Crew Dragon, which has a proven track record with nine successful crewed flights for NASA, presents a safer option.

If this route is chosen, the Starliner would return to Earth empty. This would allow NASA and Boeing to conduct a thorough investigation of the spacecraft’s systems on the ground, away from the constraints and dangers of space. A decision needs to be made by the end of August to ensure adequate planning and preparation for either scenario.

A risk to the space station

The consideration of placing the International Space Station (ISS) into an emergency configuration reflects the gravity of the situation facing NASA and Boeing. This measure would involve shutting down non-essential systems and suspending all non-critical activities to minimise the station's operational demands. The idea behind this drastic step is to prepare the ISS to operate autonomously or with minimal crew intervention, ensuring the station's safety in the absence of a human crew.

Such a configuration is not unprecedented but remains a last resort. The ISS is typically designed to host a rotating crew of astronauts to perform a variety of scientific experiments, maintenance tasks, and operational duties. In an emergency configuration, many of these activities would be halted, with the focus shifting entirely to maintaining essential life-support and control systems remotely. This would drastically reduce the station's operational capabilities, affecting numerous international partnerships and research initiatives.

The decision to move to an emergency configuration would not be taken lightly, as it involves complex logistical planning and coordination with all international partners. It would require activating automated systems and ensuring that the station can maintain its orbit, energy supply, and communications without direct human intervention. Moreover, it raises the stakes for the current situation, highlighting the critical need to resolve the Starliner’s issues or find alternative solutions swiftly.

In addition to the operational challenges, the psychological impact on the astronauts aboard the ISS and those involved in ground operations cannot be underestimated. Such a step would indicate a severe level of uncertainty and risk, potentially undermining confidence in ongoing and future missions. For NASA, Boeing, and the international space community, the move to an emergency configuration would be a sobering reminder of the inherent risks of space exploration and the importance of maintaining robust, reliable spacecraft systems.

Future of the Starliner program: a critical juncture

The current crisis has prompted NASA and Boeing to conduct a comprehensive review of the Starliner program. The spacecraft was intended to be a cornerstone of NASA’s efforts to maintain a steady human presence in low Earth orbit, alongside SpaceX’s Crew Dragon. However, the mission’s failure raises questions about Boeing’s ability to deliver on its commitments under the multibillion-dollar contract with NASA.

NASA is now faced with a critical decision: whether to continue investing in the Starliner program or to shift more of its focus to SpaceX and other potential commercial partners. For Boeing, the stakes are equally high. The company’s reputation and future in human spaceflight depend on resolving the current issues and restoring confidence in the Starliner’s capabilities.