Delays in Space: Why the Starliner Continues to Postpone Its Return to Earth

With two crew members awaiting their return, Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft faces ongoing challenges delaying its journey back to Earth.

A journey fraught with technical challenges

Since its inception, Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft has been plagued with technical difficulties. Originally scheduled for launch in 2019, the project faced multiple delays due to software failures and the discovery of flammable tape in the wiring. Nevertheless, on June 5, the Starliner successfully launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, equipped with state-of-the-art technology and carrying NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams.

Issues during the mission

The mission’s objective was to reach the International Space Station (ISS), a milestone it achieved despite encountering “minor problems.” These included helium leaks in the propulsion system both before and after reaching orbit, specifically in several reaction control thrusters. Additionally, five of the spacecraft’s 28 reaction control thrusters failed, although this issue was mostly resolved.

Despite these challenges, the Starliner managed to dock with the ISS on a second attempt, following an initial propulsion system failure that delayed the planned docking at 12:15 p.m. ET on June 6. However, the spacecraft and its crew now face another significant hurdle: the inability to return to Earth.

Indefinite postponement of the return

In recent hours, NASA and Boeing have announced an indefinite postponement of the Starliner’s return, citing the need to resolve the identified propulsion system issues. According to a joint statement, the decision to delay the spacecraft’s return, initially scheduled for June 14, stems from ongoing problems that continue to affect the mission’s final phases.

“The planned movement for Starliner’s undocking and landing this week coincides with a series of planned spacewalks on the ISS, and its postponement allows the mission teams time to review propulsion system data,” the official statement read.

Ensuring mission safety

Steve Stich, director of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, explained that the review process aims to ensure the mission’s safety. “We are letting the data drive our decision-making regarding the management of the minor helium system leaks and the thruster performance observed during the rendezvous and docking. Additionally, given the mission’s duration, it is appropriate to complete an agency-level review, similar to the one done before SpaceX’s Demo-2 return after two months in orbit, to document the agency’s formal acceptance to proceed as planned,” Stich elaborated.

Despite the delays, the Starliner remains authorized for an emergency return if evacuation of the ISS crew becomes necessary. Mission managers are assessing future return windows, taking into account scheduled activities on the station, such as upcoming spacewalks. Meanwhile, astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams continue their integration into the Expedition 71 crew, collaborating on ISS operations and completing additional objectives for the Starliner’s certification.

Looking ahead

Mark Nappi, vice president and program manager for Boeing’s Starliner, emphasized the importance of the experience gained during this mission for future endeavors. “The crew feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and they know that everything we learn from the crewed flight test will improve and refine our experience for future crews,” Nappi stated.

“The crew has time to leave the station, as there are ample supplies in orbit, and the station’s schedule is relatively open until mid-August,” the statement concluded, reassuring those eagerly awaiting their return to Earth.

This mission underscores the complexities and challenges of space travel, highlighting the need for meticulous planning and robust problem-solving to ensure the safety and success of crewed space missions.