The decision to bring the Starliner home without its crew follows extensive assessments of the spacecraft's condition. Problems began shortly after its launch on June 5, when helium leaks and thruster failures were detected. These issues necessitated emergency troubleshooting, resulting in a return delay of over two months. Despite initial hopes of resolving the problems, NASA officials ultimately determined that the risk of attempting a crewed return was too great.
Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams, who were supposed to return on the Starliner, will now remain aboard the ISS until February 2025, when they are expected to be brought back by a SpaceX Dragon capsule. NASA's decision underscores the ongoing challenges Boeing faces in meeting the rigorous safety standards required for space travel, casting uncertainty on the company's future role in NASA's Commercial Crew Program.
The Starliner is set to make its uncrewed return in early September, marking a critical juncture for Boeing as it works to address the underlying technical flaws and regain NASA's confidence. This mission is particularly significant as it will help determine whether Boeing can continue to participate in NASA's efforts to maintain assured crew access to low Earth orbit.
Boeing has invested approximately $1.6 billion in the development of the Starliner, which was designed to be a key component of NASA's post-space shuttle era strategy. However, the persistent technical challenges have raised questions about the viability of the program moving forward. The company is now focused on ensuring a safe and successful uncrewed return, with NASA closely monitoring the situation to inform future decisions about the spacecraft's role in the space agency's missions.
The upcoming return of the Starliner will be a critical test for Boeing as it strives to overcome the setbacks and demonstrate its capability to safely transport astronauts in the future. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson emphasized the importance of understanding the root causes of the issues encountered and ensuring that the necessary design improvements are made before the Starliner can be considered for future crewed missions.