Boeing’s Starliner recently undocked from the International Space Station, marking the end of a troubled test flight that was plagued with delays and unexpected complications. Originally, the spacecraft was supposed to depart much earlier, but due to various issues, the departure was delayed for months. The two NASA test pilots, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who were delivered to orbit in early June, will now stay at the ISS for the rest of the year and return to Earth in February aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft.
The return of Starliner capsule “Calypso” was not smooth sailing, to say the least. The test flight, which was initially predicted to last about nine days, ended up lasting roughly three months due to issues with the propulsion system. Boeing delayed the return multiple times in order to gather more data and investigate the problems with the thrusters. Despite assurances from Boeing officials that the capsule was safe for the astronauts to return home in case of an emergency, NASA ultimately decided to send Starliner back empty to further understand the root causes of its issues.
Setback for Boeing
The failed test flight of Starliner is a significant setback for Boeing and its involvement in NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. With over $1.5 billion in losses already incurred, the future of Boeing’s partnership with NASA is now in jeopardy. The agency had hoped to have both Boeing and SpaceX as capable partners for missions to the ISS, but the challenges faced by Starliner have put a dent in Boeing’s progress. The delayed departure and unexpected complications have highlighted the need for thorough testing and reliability in space travel, especially when human lives are at stake.
The return of Starliner capsule “Calypso” serves as a valuable lesson for both Boeing and NASA. It illustrates the complexities and uncertainties of space travel and the need for rigorous testing and preparation. As we look towards the future of space exploration and commercial spaceflight, it is important to prioritize safety and reliability above all else. The setbacks faced by Starliner remind us of the inherent risks and challenges of venturing beyond our planet and the importance of learning from past mistakes to ensure a safer and more successful future in space.