NASA Still Hasn’t Decided How to Get the Boeing Starliner Astronauts Home
With the rapid advancements in space exploration and the increasing number of private companies entering the industry, NASA faces new challenges and decisions each day. One of the latest concerns plaguing the agency is how to bring back its astronauts safely from space on the Boeing Starliner spacecraft.
The Boeing Starliner, one of NASA’s commercial crew vehicles, is designed to transport astronauts to and from the International Space Station (ISS). Developed under the Commercial Crew Program, the spacecraft has undergone extensive testing and is inching closer to its first crewed mission. However, a critical question remains unanswered: How will NASA bring its astronauts home?
Initially, NASA planned to rely on the Starliner’s primary landing method, which involves returning to Earth by making a controlled reentry and landing on land using airbags and parachutes. The spacecraft’s design allows for up to ten land-based landings before it requires refurbishment.
However, during pad abort testing in November 2019, the Starliner experienced a series of software and communication failures that resulted in an incorrect orbit insertion and premature fuel exhaustion. Consequently, the spacecraft had to return to Earth prematurely without reaching the ISS. This critical failure raised serious concerns regarding Starliner’s reliability and the safety of its astronauts.
In the wake of this incident, NASA has hesitated to commit to using the Starliner’s land-based landing method for returning crew members. Instead, the agency has been exploring alternative options to ensure the astronauts’ safe return. Among the possibilities being considered are water landings, similar to those used by the Russian Soyuz spacecraft, or utilizing existing crew vehicles such as SpaceX’s Crew Dragon for the return journey.
Water landings have been employed by Russian spacecraft for decades and have proven to be a reliable method. However, adapting the Starliner to safely conduct water landings would require significant modifications and testing, potentially causing delays and additional expenses.
Collaboration with SpaceX’s Crew Dragon is another viable alternative. Considering the successful partnership between NASA and SpaceX for transportation to the ISS, utilizing Crew Dragon for the return journey would eliminate the need for extensive modifications to the Starliner. This would save valuable time and resources while ensuring the astronauts’ timely and secure return.
Ultimately, the decision lies in NASA’s hands. The agency’s primary concern is the safety and well-being of its astronauts, which necessitates thorough evaluations and rigorous testing before making a final determination. The recent setback experienced by the Starliner has highlighted the importance of diligent preparations, leaving no room for complacency or shortcuts.
NASA’s Commercial Crew Program has ushered in a new era of space exploration, blending government and commercial capabilities to expand the frontiers of human exploration. As the program progresses, challenges are bound to arise, necessitating adaptability and flexibility from all parties involved.
Given the available options, NASA must consider various factors such as crew safety, timely missions, cost-effectiveness, and technical feasibility before deciding how to bring Boeing Starliner’s astronauts home. Regardless of the chosen method, it is crucial for the agency to maintain open lines of communication and foster collaboration with commercial partners to ensure the success of future crewed missions.
