Starliner Astronauts Still Stranded, Next Mission Delayed
For the past two months, the Starliner capsule at the International Space Station has been experiencing multiple issues, currently preventing astronauts from returning and delaying SpaceX's next manned mission. What are the implications of this delay?
New Troubles for Boeing’s Starliner
Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft is once again at the center of controversy. NASA announced on Tuesday a delay in the planned launch with SpaceX, primarily due to issues with the Starliner.
The spacecraft has been docked at the International Space Station (ISS) for two months now, far exceeding the initially planned week.
#Crew9 launch update:
NASA and @SpaceX are targeting NET Tuesday, Sept. 24, for the launch of the agency’s Crew-9 mission to the @Space_Station.
Info: https://t.co/Or2GNmF4DQ pic.twitter.com/gqskUylORH
— NASA Commercial Crew (@Commercial_Crew) August 6, 2024
Flight Anomalies and Uncertainties
Starliner was supposed to transport NASA astronauts to the ISS in early June, but its space journey was extended due to several detected flight anomalies. This uncertain situation makes the return of the mission problematic, as “the analysis of ongoing tests on Starliner is still underway,” NASA stated.
If Boeing’s vessel is deemed unreliable for return to Earth, NASA might have to find an alternative solution to bring back its two astronauts.
Delaying SpaceX Launch, One of Several Solutions
The option to use another SpaceX vessel is being considered. However, this change could mean that the next Crew-9 mission might only carry two astronauts instead of the originally planned four, in order to retrieve the two astronauts from Boeing’s vessel on their return. This mission, initially set for mid-August, has been postponed to September 24 to allow more time to resolve Starliner’s situation.
NASA plans to provide a full update during a press conference scheduled for today, where they will address Starliner’s issues and the postponement of the Crew-9 mission.