In a joint decision, NASA and Boeing have delayed the return of the CST-100 Starliner spacecraft from the International Space Station (ISS) until at least early July. The postponement is attributed to the ongoing investigation of propulsion system issues, specifically small helium system leaks and thruster performance problems observed during rendezvous and docking.
A spectacular view of Boeing's Starliner crew ferry ship docked to the International Space Station's forward port as the two spacecraft pass above North Africa against the backdrop of the Nile river, the Gulf of Suez and the Red Sea, 260 miles below. Credit: NASA
Reason for Delay
The primary objective of this delay is to ensure a thorough assessment and resolution of the aforementioned issues before Starliner's departure. NASA is exercising caution to guarantee a safe return for the spacecraft and its crew. Given the extended mission duration, an agency-level review of Starliner will be conducted to scrutinize its performance and readiness.
The Starliner's service module, which houses the affected systems, will be jettisoned during re-entry, precluding engineers from physically examining the hardware. Therefore, managers want to ensure a comprehensive data review and assessment before proceeding with the spacecraft's return.
Steve Stich, manager of NASA's Commercial Crew Program, emphasized that data-driven decision-making is guiding their approach to managing the issues. An agency-level review, similar to the one conducted ahead of the NASA's SpaceX Demo-2 return, will be completed to document formal
acceptance of the spacecraft's readiness for re-entry.
Taken on June 7, these satellite image shows the Boeing Starliner spacecraft docked to the International Space Station (ISS).
Credit: Maxar Technologies
Extended Stay at the ISS
Initially scheduled for an eight-day stay, Starliner will now spend approximately a month at the ISS. This extended duration will facilitate additional data collection, critical station activities, and preparations for the astronauts' return. The extra time will enable NASA to gather valuable insights into the spacecraft's performance and identify potential areas for improvement.
The delay coincides with two scheduled spacewalks at the ISS, which were previously planned to avoid conflicts with potential Starliner departure dates. NASA has not specified a new departure date for Starliner, instead opting to "evaluate future return opportunities" after the spacewalk on July 2.
Despite the delay, Starliner commander Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams are cleared to undock and return home at any time if necessary.
NASA and Boeing are working diligently to address the technical challenges facing the Starliner spacecraft. As the evaluation process continues, we will monitor updates and provide further information on the spacecraft's readiness for departure in July.
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Stop wasting taxpayer dollars. Let SpaceX take over.
I really think bloggers should watch their choice of words, when they post stories like this. "Stuck at the ISS?" You turn around in the text and essentially contradict yourself. Deferring return to Earth to gather more SM data and not get in the way of two spacewalks is not "being stuck." Grow up.