After a successful uncrewed test flight of Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, NASA has decided to return the spacecraft empty rather than wait for astronauts to be on board for the return trip. The decision comes after a series of delays and setbacks for the Starliner program, which has been plagued by technical issues and schedule changes.
NASA has announced that it will instead use SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft to transport astronauts to and from the International Space Station. The decision to rely on SpaceX for crewed missions is a significant blow to Boeing, which has been a long-time partner of NASA in the space industry.
The Starliner spacecraft was launched on a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket on August 3, 2021, for its second uncrewed test flight. The mission, known as Orbital Flight Test-2 (OFT-2), was intended to demonstrate the spacecraft’s capabilities before it could be certified to carry astronauts to the ISS.
However, the mission encountered several technical issues, including a problem with the spacecraft’s propulsion system that prevented it from reaching the correct orbit. As a result, NASA decided to cut the mission short and return the spacecraft to Earth without completing its planned objectives.
Despite the setbacks, NASA and Boeing remain committed to the Starliner program and are working to address the technical issues that arose during the OFT-2 mission. Both parties are hopeful that the next test flight, which is scheduled for early 2022, will be successful and pave the way for crewed missions to the ISS.
In the meantime, NASA has turned to SpaceX to transport astronauts to and from the ISS. The Crew Dragon spacecraft, which has already completed several successful crewed missions, has proven to be a reliable and cost-effective option for transporting astronauts to space.
While the decision to rely on SpaceX for crewed missions is a setback for Boeing, the company remains optimistic about the future of the Starliner program. With continued support from NASA and a commitment to addressing the technical issues that have arisen, Boeing is confident that the Starliner spacecraft will be ready to transport astronauts to the ISS in the near future.
Overall, the decision to return the Starliner spacecraft empty and use SpaceX for crewed missions highlights the challenges and complexities of human spaceflight. With multiple companies competing in the commercial space industry, NASA has the flexibility to choose the best option for transporting astronauts to space, ensuring the safety and success of future missions.