NASA is currently facing a crucial decision regarding the return of its astronauts on board Boeing’s Starliner capsule. After encountering issues with the spacecraft’s thrusters during docking, NASA is contemplating whether to return the astronauts on Starliner or use SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule as an alternative.
The Starliner capsule, named “Calypso,” has been in space for 59 days, exceeding its initial nine-day mission duration. While NASA and Boeing have extended the mission to conduct testing and address the thruster problem, concerns have emerged internally about the spacecraft’s safety for returning the astronauts.
Boeing’s Mark Nappi mentioned significant findings regarding the thruster issue but noted that the root cause has not been identified yet. NASA has tested 27 of Starliner’s 28 thrusters and noted they appear to be healthy. However, the agency is still assessing the risk of potential thruster malfunctions during the return flight.
The Commercial Crew Program Control Board, chaired by Steve Stich, met recently to discuss the return of Starliner but did not reach a decision. The uncertainty surrounding the outcome reflects the agency’s internal discussions on risk assessment and astronaut safety.
If NASA decides to return the astronauts on Starliner, it would entail accepting a level of risk that could impact Boeing’s future involvement in the Commercial Crew Program. Conversely, choosing SpaceX’s Crew Dragon for the return could raise questions about NASA’s initial assessment of the situation.
The decision-making process is critical as it involves prioritizing astronaut safety while weighing the implications for both Boeing and SpaceX. Ultimately, NASA’s choice will determine the direction of its partnership with Boeing and potentially impact the future of crewed missions to the International Space Station.
As NASA continues to evaluate its options for the return of the astronauts, industry experts emphasize the need for thorough risk assessment and decision-making to ensure the safe return of the crew members. The space agency remains committed to transparency and will provide updates on the ongoing discussions surrounding the Starliner mission.
