NASA Thinks Boeing’s Starliner Can Fly in April, Which Is Hilarious
Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft continues to face hurdles in its path to operational status, even as NASA seeks to maintain a consistent crew presence on the International Space Station. Astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore experienced a nine-month stay aboard the ISS due to technical issues encountered during the first crewed test flight. Despite these setbacks, a potential path forward exists for the spacecraft to transport ISS crews later this year.
Contract Modification and Shifting Priorities
In November, NASA modified its contract with Boeing following Starliner’s failure to achieve full operational certification. The upcoming Starliner-1 mission, initially intended as the first operational crewed flight, will now serve as a cargo delivery mission to the ISS. Successful completion of Starliner-1 could then pave the way for up to three subsequent crew rotation flights.
Launch Timeline and Crew-12 Transition
Starliner-1 is currently scheduled for launch no earlier than April. NASA’s commercial crew manager, Steve Stich, indicated that the crew replacing Crew-12 could potentially fly aboard the Starliner-2 mission, contingent on the timing and success of Starliner-1. Stich stated, “We want to work through and get through Starliner-1 into the summer timeframe and then see where we’re at.”
Crew-12 is scheduled to launch on Friday, following previous weather-related delays. This team of four astronauts will spend eight months on the ISS before being relieved by either Crew-13 or Starliner-2 in the fall. NASA has crews in training for both potential missions.
Addressing Technical Challenges
Starliner encountered technical issues before, during, and after the June 2024 flight with Williams and Wilmore. These included helium leaks and thruster malfunctions. Engineers have been actively working to resolve these problems since the spacecraft returned uncrewed in September 2024, with the astronauts returning aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon months later.
Beyond addressing the helium leaks, engineers are conducting hot-fire tests on thrusters from the crew module of Starliner-1 and analyzing data from the malfunctioning thrusters of the previous mission. They are also developing a model to predict thruster performance, according to Stich. He noted, “When we get through that and get to a point where we’re comfortable predicting thruster performance, then we’ll move forward and look toward a launch date.”
Looking Ahead: Uncertainties Remain
Despite the progress, it remains uncertain whether Starliner will be ready for launch by April, or for crewed flights by the fall. NASA engineers must thoroughly analyze test data and validate the implemented fixes before confirming a launch date for Starliner-1. Even a successful Starliner-1 mission does not guarantee crewed flight certification, as Starliner-2 will need to meet rigorous safety and performance standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What issues did Starliner face during its first crewed test flight?
Starliner experienced helium leaks and thruster malfunctions before, during, and after the June 2024 flight that carried astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore to the ISS.
What is the purpose of the Starliner-1 mission?
Starliner-1 will now carry only cargo to the ISS, after a contract modification with NASA. It was originally intended to be the first operational crewed flight.
What is NASA doing to address the technical issues with Starliner?
NASA engineers are replacing seals to address helium leaks and are hot-firing and analyzing thrusters to address malfunction issues. They are also building a model to predict thruster behavior.
Given the spacecraft’s complexity and troubled history, a flawless Starliner-1 mission is not guaranteed. The success of this flight will be crucial in determining whether Boeing can ultimately deliver on its commitment to provide a second independent means of crew transportation to the International Space Station.