NASA’s Starliner spacecraft, a key part of Boeing’s Commercial Crew Program, faces an uncertain future as engineers grapple with propulsion issues that could impact the safety of its crew. While the capsule is designed to transport astronauts to and from the International Space Station (ISS), recent thruster malfunctions have left NASA unsure if it is safe enough to bring the two astronauts onboard back to Earth.
The main issue plaguing the vehicle involves its thrusters, critical components that help control movement during key moments like re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere. After docking with the ISS in June 2024, five of its 28 maneuvering thrusters malfunctioned, with four recovering during test firings and one remaining unreliable. This instability is concerning because the thrusters are vital during the deorbit burn, a maneuver that ensures the capsule safely reenters Earth’s atmosphere. While engineers believe they understand the root cause—overheating due to extended exposure to sunlight—the uncertainty surrounding the fix leaves NASA officials questioning its readiness for a crewed return.
NASA now faces a difficult decision. The agency must weigh the risks of using the spacecraft with incomplete data against the safety of the astronauts, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams. While Boeing asserts that the capsule can safely return the crew, NASA’s conservative approach to astronaut safety has them considering a backup plan using SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft.
One option on the table is to have Wilmore and Williams return aboard a SpaceX Dragon capsule currently stationed at the ISS. This would involve a complex reshuffling of spacecraft at the ISS and extend the astronauts’ stay in space to nearly nine months—far longer than their original mission. While this plan introduces its own challenges, such as fitting more astronauts into the Dragon capsule than it’s typically designed to carry, it serves as a safety net in case the thrusters prove too unreliable for the mission.
This scenario demonstrates how essential contingency planning is in space missions. NASA’s ability to adapt and collaborate with other companies like SpaceX underscores the importance of redundancy in human spaceflight programs.
As NASA continues to evaluate the spacecraft’s readiness, the broader implications for space exploration remain significant. This decision is not just about bringing two astronauts home, it’s about proving that Boeing’s spacecraft can overcome technical challenges and deliver on its promise as part of the Commercial Crew Program.
