NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore just lately make clear why Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft returned to Earth with out them. Initially scheduled for a brief eight-day mission, the astronauts needed to adapt to a for much longer keep aboard the Worldwide Area Station (ISS) after Starliner skilled technical difficulties.
Starliner’s Technical Points Drive Empty Return
The Boeing Starliner confronted points that in the end compelled NASA to ship the spacecraft again to Earth with out its supposed crew. Though the spacecraft skilled helium leaks and propulsion issues, it landed efficiently. Wilmore defined, “We may have gotten to the purpose the place we may have returned on Starliner, however we merely ran out of time.”
NASA made the choice to return the Starliner empty in early September, prioritizing the necessity to release the docking port for different spacecraft. Williams expressed reduction on the spacecraft’s protected return, saying, “I used to be so blissful it bought residence with no issues.”
The supply of SpaceX’s Crew Dragon as a substitute performed a vital function within the decision-making course of. Wilmore highlighted this benefit: “There’s many circumstances previously the place there haven’t been different choices.” Each astronauts plan to return to Earth in 2025 aboard the Crew Dragon.
Wilmore mentioned,” Clearly, when you will have points like we’ve had, there’s some modifications that must be made. Boeing’s on board with that. We’re all on board with that.” Acknowledging the dangers inherent in testing new spacecraft, Wilmore mentioned, “Whenever you do issues with spacecraft which have by no means been completed earlier than, identical to Starliner, you’re going to seek out some issues. On this case, we discovered some issues that we simply couldn’t get comfy with.”
Regardless of the surprising size of their keep in area, Williams stays upbeat. “That is my blissful place. I like being up right here in area. It’s simply enjoyable,” she shared.
