NASA’s Boeing crewed test Starliner spacecraft is seen docking with the Harmony module’s forward port as the International Space Station orbits 263 miles above the Mediterranean Sea. Courtesy of NASA
Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft remains at the space station for now. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Boeing adjusted the return schedule to address the problem within the propulsion system and to address a conflict with a scheduled spacewalk. International Space Station.
This delay will allow for comprehensive reviews and systems checks to be conducted in parallel with previous mission procedures. While these evaluations are taking place, astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams will continue to operate on the ISS with adequate supplies and no immediate need to return to Earth.
NASA and Boeing delay Starliner return
NASA and Boeing executives have again coordinated the return to Earth of the Starliner Crew Flight Test Spacecraft carrying astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams from the International Space Station (ISS). The Wednesday, June 26 departure ensures that Starliner’s undocking and landing will not overlap with a series of International Space Station spacewalks, giving the mission team time to review propulsion system data. Listen to a full replay (embedded below) of a June 18 media briefing where NASA and Boeing executives discussed ongoing efforts.
Mission Management and Safety Review
“We are taking our time and following standard Mission Management Team processes,” said Steve Stich, NASA’s Commercial Crew Program manager. “We are making data-driven decisions regarding managing the small helium system leak and thruster performance observed during rendezvous and docking. Additionally, given the duration of the mission, it is appropriate to complete an agency-level review similar to that conducted prior to the start of the NASA mission.” SpaceX Demo-2 will spend two months in orbit before returning to document NASA’s formal approval that the mission is proceeding as planned.”
Future return opportunities and preparations
The readiness review will result in a media conference call with mission leaders, and NASA plans to release details as they are solidified. Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft has been cleared for return flight in case an emergency occurs on the space station that requires the crew to leave orbit and return to Earth.
Mission managers are evaluating future return opportunities following two spacewalks scheduled for Monday, June 24 and Tuesday, July 2.
![Aurora borealis beneath Boeing's Starliner spacecraft](https://scitechdaily.com/images/Aurora-Streams-Below-Boeings-Starliner-Spacecraft-777x1166.jpg)
The aurora streams beneath Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft docked to the forward port of the Harmony module as the International Space Station rises 266 miles above the Indian Ocean, southwest of Australia. Courtesy of NASA
On-orbit performance and crew integration
“Starliner is performing well in orbit while docked to the space station,” Stich said. “We are strategically using this extra time to pave the way for several important station activities while completing preparations for the return of Butch and Suni aboard Starliner, and to gain valuable insight into system upgrades we would like to implement during the post-certification mission.”
![NASA Boeing Crew Flight Test Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams](https://scitechdaily.com/images/NASAs-Boeing-Crew-Flight-Test-Astronauts-Butch-Wilmore-and-Suni-Williams-777x518.jpg)
NASA’s Boeing Crew Flight Test astronauts (from top) Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams pose for a portrait inside the foyer between the forward port of the International Space Station’s Harmony module and Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. Photo credit: NASA
Positive crew feedback and availability
Wilmore and Williams will continue to serve as part of the Expedition 71 crew, supporting space station operations as needed and achieving additional in-flight goals for Starliner’s NASA certification.
“Crew feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and they understand that everything we learn during crew flight testing will improve and hone the experience for future crew members,” said Mark Nappi, vice president and program manager for Boeing’s Starliner program.
With plenty of supplies in orbit and a relatively light schedule for the station through mid-August, the crew is under no pressure to leave the station.