Boeing’s Starliner capsule has been in space for more than three weeks — with no specific plan for an Earth arrival date. Space observers have claimed that the astronauts are “trapped,” but NASA says that is not the case.
Starliner is Boeing’s spacecraft designed to transport astronauts to and from the International Space Station. However, this year marks the Starliner’s first mission with people on board, after a failed empty capsule mission in 2019 and another completed in 2022.
Here’s what you need to know about the latest developments in space exploration.
A look at the Starliner launch this month
Starliner commander Barry “Butch” Wilmore and co-pilot Sunita Williams, both retired Navy captains and veteran NASA astronauts, launched the Starliner on June 5. (The June 5 launch was actually the third attempt with astronauts — the first two were canceled due to rocket problems.)
Wilmore and Williams were originally supposed to complete a 10-day flight before returning to Earth on June 14. Now, Wilmore and Williams are still on the space station — and, according to a NASA announcement, won’t return to Earth until July at the earliest.
Yahoo News has reached out to NASA for comment.
What’s happening now?
Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, told reporters that “Butch and Suni are not stuck in space.” NASA’s plan is to return them on the Starliner, which is “working well.” However, more work needs to be done before they can return to Earth.
Although NASA says the Starliner is fit to return to Earth in an emergency, the spacecraft experienced what they believe to be helium leaks and propellant problems when it docked with the space station. Both NASA and Boeing want to take a closer look at why this happened, which is why Wilmore and Williams will remain on the space station until further testing can be completed. “Their spacecraft is working well and they are enjoying their time on the space station,” Stich said.
Technically, Starliner has 10 times the amount of helium needed to return to Earth — even with the leaks, Stich previously told reporters. However, field testing allows them to ensure that the leaks will not get worse.
What’s the game plan?
These tests will take place at NASA’s White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico starting July 2. NASA and Boeing will attempt to replicate the use of the thruster during flight. This should last about two weeks, with additional analysis to follow – which is why, at the moment, NASA and Boeing still don’t have a landing date for Starliner.
Both Wilmore and Williams have already spent time on the space station – so keeping them there shouldn’t be a problem, even if it is a change to the original plan. Leroy Chiao, former NASA astronaut, told Scientific American“Butch and Suni can remain aboard the ISS almost indefinitely if necessary so they are not in danger.”
