Starliner Mission Delayed Again: NASA And Boeing Tackle Technical Issues

Boeing and NASA announced Friday night another delay for the Boeing Starliner capsule’s return to Earth from the International Space Station (ISS).

This announcement adds to a series of recent postponements. The Starliner spacecraft’s departure date has been pushed back multiple times due to issues encountered during its journey to the space station. The spacecraft, which launched astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams to the ISS on June 5, experienced several problems en route.

A new return date has not been set, but NASA indicated that Wilmore and Williams are not expected to return until July. The issues include five thrusters that abruptly stopped working and a series of helium leaks.

NASA’s blog post stated that the delay allows mission teams time to review propulsion system data. “We are taking our time and following our standard mission management team process,” said Steve Stich, NASA’s Commercial Crew Program manager. “We are letting the data drive our decision-making relative to managing the small helium system leaks and thruster performance.”

Stich noted that Starliner could remain docked at the ISS for up to 45 days if necessary. The schedule change also accommodates two upcoming spacewalks, with the second slated for July 2, ensuring Starliner’s return won’t occur before then.

During a Tuesday news conference, officials from NASA and Boeing announced a previous delay, stating their intent to keep the Starliner capsule docked while ground teams addressed the helium leaks and thruster issues. Stich emphasized that the vehicle was safe and capable of completing the journey home. “So far, we don’t see any scenario where Starliner is not going to be able to bring Butch and Suni home,” Stich told reporters.

Reaffirming this assessment on Friday, Stich said, “Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft remains cleared for return in case of an emergency on the space station that required the crew to leave orbit and come back to Earth.”

Despite the delays, Mark Nappi, the vice president and program manager of Boeing’s Commercial Crew Program, noted that feedback from Wilmore and Williams about the Starliner spacecraft has been “overwhelmingly positive.” Nappi added, “The astronauts know that every bit of learning we do on the Crew Flight Test will improve and sharpen our experience for future crews.”

As NASA and Boeing continue to address these technical challenges, they remain committed to ensuring the safety and success of the mission, with the ultimate goal of advancing human spaceflight.