NASA officials have put off making a decision on whether to bring the Starliner crew capsule back to Earth or extend its stay on the International Space Station until next year. The spacecraft, operated by Boeing, has been plagued by issues with its thrusters and helium leaks.
The decision is pending a thorough investigation into the root cause of the thruster failure during the spacecraft’s approach to the space station. NASA officials expect to make a final call on what to do with Starliner within the next week or two.
Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams launched inside the Starliner spacecraft on June 5, marking the first crew test flight of Boeing’s capsule. However, the mission has been delayed due to software setbacks, parachute concerns, and previous problems with its propulsion system.
NASA officials are working to resolve the issues and ensure a safe return for the astronauts. According to Ken Bowersox, associate administrator of NASA’s spaceflight operations directorate, “We’ve got time available before we bring Starliner home and we want to use that time wisely.”
The delay has significant implications for the SpaceX Dragon crew mission scheduled for September 24. The launch window for the Dragon spacecraft is dependent on the availability of a parking spot at the International Space Station, which is currently occupied by the Starliner spacecraft.
Source: https://arstechnica.com/space/2024/08/nasa-acknowledges-it-cannot-quantify-risk-of-starliner-propulsion-issues/