Boeing’s Starliner Capsule to Return from ISS Empty: NASA’s Decision and Implications

Boeing’s Starliner capsule will be returning from the International Space Station (ISS) without the NASA astronauts it delivered to orbit in early June. This decision was recently announced by NASA, pointing out that Starliner will be coming back to Earth empty. This means that NASA will have astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams return via SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft instead. The Dragon spacecraft is expected to launch its ninth regular mission to the ISS on Sept. 24, where Wilmore and Williams will stay for about six more months before flying home in February on SpaceX’s Crew-9 vehicle.

Boeing and NASA faced significant problems with Starliner’s crew flight test, which was originally intended to last about nine days. The main issue encountered during this test was related to its propulsion system. This led to a change in NASA’s stance regarding Starliner being the primary choice for returning the crew from the ISS. Despite Boeing and NASA’s previous assertion that the capsule was safe for astronauts, the decision to return it empty to Earth marks a dramatic change in plans for both organizations.

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson emphasized the importance of understanding the root causes behind the issues faced with Starliner’s crew flight test. He mentioned that test flights are not considered safe or routine, and that the decision to bring Starliner back empty was driven by a commitment to safety. This decision also signifies a shift in NASA’s risk evaluation process when it comes to the return of crew members from space missions. While NASA officials have expressed support for Boeing, they have chosen SpaceX to bring the crew home, indicating a level of confidence in the latter’s capabilities.

Boeing, despite facing setbacks with the Starliner program, has reiterated its commitment to executing the mission as determined by NASA. The aerospace company has been working closely with NASA to gather necessary data and improve the design of the Starliner capsule. Boeing acknowledged the technical disagreements with NASA and highlighted that safety remains their top priority.

The setback faced by Boeing with Starliner’s crew flight test has implications on both the company’s involvement in NASA’s Commercial Crew program and the agency’s goal of having two competing companies flying missions to the ISS. With over $1.5 billion in losses already incurred, Boeing’s future participation in the program is at risk. NASA’s dream of having Boeing and SpaceX operating alternating missions to the ISS has been further delayed by the problems encountered with Starliner, posing challenges to the agency’s long-term plans for crewed missions to space.