Plagued by various thruster issues, Boeing's first astronaut mission aboard the Starliner spacecraft has been extended through June 18.
The Starliner's journey began on June 5, when it launched with NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams aboard, embarking on a mission dubbed the Crew Flight Test (CFT). The spacecraft successfully docked with the International Space Station (ISS) on June 6.
Boeing Starliner approaching ISS for docking Credit: NASA
“Two bold NASA astronauts are well on their way on this historic first test flight of a brand-new spacecraft,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. “Boeing’s Starliner marks a new chapter of American exploration. Human spaceflight is a daring task – but that’s why it’s worth doing. It’s an exciting time for NASA, our commercial partners, and the future of exploration. Go Starliner, Go Butch and Suni!”
As part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, the flight test will help validate the transportation system, launch pad, rocket, spacecraft, in-orbit operations capabilities, and return to Earth with astronauts aboard as the agency prepares to certify Starliner for rotational missions to the space station. Starliner previously flew two uncrewed orbital flights, including a test to and from the space station, along with a pad abort demonstration.
“With Starliner’s launch, separation from the rocket, and arrival on orbit, Boeing’s Crew Flight Test is right on track,” said Mark Nappi, vice president and program manager of Boeing’s Commercial Crew Program. “Everyone is focused on giving Suni and Butch a safe, comfortable, ride and performing a successful test mission from start to finish.”
“Flying crew on Starliner represents over a decade of work by the Commercial Crew Program and our partners at Boeing and ULA,” said Steve Stich, manager, Commercial Crew Program, at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. “For many of us, this is a career-defining moment bringing on a new crew transportation capability for our agency and our nation. We are going to take it one step at a time, putting Starliner through its paces, and remaining vigilant until Butch and Suni safely touch down back on Earth at the conclusion of this test flight.”
A camera on the International Space Station captured spectacular views of Boeing's Starliner crew capsule as it moved in for docking. Credit: NASA
Mission Extension: A Spacewalk and Systems Checkouts
Originally planned for a week-long stay, the mission extension was announced to facilitate a spacewalk on June 13 and allow engineers to complete systems checkouts of the Starliner. This additional time in orbit is not just a schedule change; it represents an opportunity for the crew to contribute further to the ISS's ongoing research and maintenance.
The Starliner's path to this point has been one of both triumphs and trials. Following uncrewed test flights to the ISS in December 2019 and May 2022, the spacecraft encountered several glitches, including small helium leaks and misbehaving thrusters during its debut voyage. However, these issues were minor and have been successfully addressed.
Looking Ahead
The success of the CFT is crucial for the Starliner's future, as it aims to be certified for six-month astronaut missions to and from the ISS. This would place Boeing alongside SpaceX, which currently operates long-duration crewed flights to the ISS with its Dragon capsule.
The extension of Boeing's first Starliner astronaut mission is more than a mere schedule adjustment; It underscores the importance of thorough testing and validation in the pursuit of safe and reliable human spaceflight.
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