NASA is about to make its most important safety decision in nearly a generation
NASA is deciding on the Boeing Starliner spacecraft's safety amid concerns from recent thruster failures. Astronauts have exceeded their planned mission duration, prompting consideration of using a SpaceX Dragon for return.
Read original articleNASA is poised to make a critical safety decision regarding the Boeing Starliner spacecraft, which is currently on a test flight with astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams. This decision is considered one of the most significant in human spaceflight in over two decades. The astronauts have been in orbit for nearly ten weeks, far exceeding the planned duration of just over a week. The key figures involved in this decision, including Ken Bowersox, Steve Stich, and LeRoy Cain, have historical ties to the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster in 2003, which resulted in the loss of seven astronauts. Their experiences during that tragedy have heightened the scrutiny surrounding the Starliner mission, particularly due to recent thruster failures and helium leaks. While returning the astronauts in the Starliner would be ideal for operational continuity, concerns remain about the spacecraft's reliability. Some engineers are not fully confident in the thrusters' performance, which raises the possibility of using a SpaceX Dragon capsule for the return instead. The decision will weigh the risks of the Starliner against the operational implications for NASA's future crew rotation flights.
- NASA is making a crucial safety decision regarding the Boeing Starliner spacecraft.
- Astronauts have been on an extended test flight, raising safety concerns.
- Key decision-makers have historical ties to the Columbia disaster, influencing their caution.
- Recent thruster failures have led to uncertainty about the Starliner's reliability.
- The decision may involve choosing between Starliner and SpaceX Dragon for the astronauts' return.
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Sincerely hoping NASA plays it safe this time.
A tragedy would have far-reaching consequences for both NASA and the US, well beyond the horrifying loss of life.
1. Send the astronauts home on Dragon
2. Certify Starliner for human flight if it can make it home safely (uncrewed)
If the capsule can make it down, it doesn't matter if there were people in it or not, right?
In theory, the ISS crew could do a spacewalk or two before departure, to get a closer look at the problematic hardware. In practice - no time to plan nor train for that, improvised-at-best tools, and all the myriad ways that a flaky NTO/hydrazine fuel system could suddenly go very wrong - I'd be really surprised if they attempted anything.
https://arstechnica.com/space/2024/08/with-starliner-stuck-i...
- by a journalist who seems very well connected with NASA folks. And who seems to be dropping a fair number of "they're fly home on SpaceX" hints.
Why do people in the government bend over so deeply backwards for this shitty company?
Soyuz is the most reliable and most successful vehicle at this point.
NASA simply does not want to use it because they will lose face.
Perhaps the knowledge of Starliner issues makes it more accurate to assess the risk.
Either vehicle could lose the crew on the return. "Astronauting" is a risky business.
I do not envy anyone on the decision chain.
Related
NASA nears decision on what to do with Boeing's troubled Starliner spacecraft
NASA is evaluating Boeing's Starliner spacecraft after significant test flight issues, including propulsion problems. Astronauts have exceeded their planned duration, and safety assessments will determine future crewed mission certification.
Nasa nears decision on what to do with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft
NASA is deciding on Boeing's Starliner spacecraft after significant test flight issues. Astronauts have exceeded their planned duration due to propulsion problems. Backup plans with SpaceX are considered for safe return.
Yes, NASA could bring Starliner's astronauts back on Crew Dragon
NASA is evaluating options for the return of astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams from the ISS, considering a switch to SpaceX's Crew Dragon due to Starliner's technical issues.
NASA Says Boeing Starliner Astronauts May Fly Home on SpaceX in 2025
NASA is considering using SpaceX's Crew Dragon for the return of astronauts from the ISS due to significant issues with Boeing's Starliner, which has also led to financial losses for Boeing.
NASA official acknowledges internal "disagreement" on safety of Starliner return
NASA officials revealed internal disagreements about the Starliner spacecraft's safety, particularly regarding thruster reliability. A decision on the astronauts' return method is expected by mid-August amid ongoing investigations.