Starliner astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are currently stuck on the International Space Station (ISS) following a series of technical issues with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft. Initially scheduled to return on June 26, it remains uncertain when the astronauts will attempt their journey back to Earth.
Delayed return due to technical issues
The Boeing Starliner, on its maiden voyage, has experienced multiple glitches that have delayed its launch twice and now its return. These ongoing issues have raised significant concerns, compounded by allegations that the problems were known before the mission commenced.
The ISS, often described as a “mini-city in space” the size of a football field, is used by astronauts from multiple space agencies for research. Sunita Williams and Wilmore arrived on June 5, with their return initially set for June 26. However, NASA confirmed on June 22 that their stay on the space station has been extended.
Technical faults with the Starliner
The Starliner has encountered five helium leaks and issues with five of its 28 thrusters, as reported by NDTV. Experts indicate that at least 14 functioning thrusters are necessary for a safe return. Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s commercial crew program, stated that the spaceship is performing well while docked and that the extra time is being used to clear a path for critical station activities while preparing for the astronauts’ departure.
Sunita Williams, on her third space trip, had previously praised the Starliner as a “fantastic spacecraft.” However, allegations of neglect have surfaced against Boeing. Whistleblowers claim that Boeing and NASA managers were aware of the technical faults but proceeded with the mission, deeming the issues too minor to cause further delays. According to multiple reports, at least 20 whistleblowers have accused NASA of disregarding their concerns since the mission’s inception.
Past allegations and Boeing’s defense
Boeing has faced safety allegations before. Santiago Paredes, a former quality inspector at Spirit, alleged that plane bodies regularly left the factory with serious defects, claims that Spirit AeroSystems and Boeing have strongly disputed. Boeing CEO David Calhoun defended the company’s safety record at a recent Congressional hearing, stating, “we are proud of our safety record.”
Other concerns for the starliner
Adding to the concerns, the astronauts have only 27 days of fuel left for the return voyage, according to Business Today. However, NASA assures there is no immediate pressure to leave the station as they have sufficient supplies in orbit.
Another challenge for the ISS residents is the presence of a “superbug,” a multi-drug-resistant bacteria named ‘Enterobacter bugandensis,’ which has become more potent in the ISS’s closed environment, affecting the respiratory system.
Financial and manufacturing issues
Boeing has also faced financial setbacks while manufacturing the Starliner, spending approximately $5.7 million against its $4.2 billion contract. This incident highlights the high stakes and challenges of commercial spaceflight, putting Boeing’s Starliner program under intense scrutiny.
