Recently, the return of the "Starliner" spacecraft jointly developed by the Boeing Company of the United States and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Commercial Manned Program Project Team has attracted widespread attention. The Starliner spacecraft, which made its first manned test flight, lifted off with two American astronauts, Barry Wilmore and Suni Williams, on June 5 and arrived at the International Space Station on June 6. The spacecraft was scheduled to leave the International Space Station and return to Earth on June 14, but the return was repeatedly delayed due to thruster failures and helium leaks during test flights.
It is understood that the "Starliner" has carried out two unmanned test flights since 2019, and during this manned test mission, there were 5 thruster failures, 5 helium leaks, and 1 poor operation of the propellant control valve.
NASA: The return time of the spacecraft is uncertain
On June 28, local time, NASA said that the return time of the Boeing "Starliner" spacecraft of the United States will continue to be postponed until the engineering team completes a series of ground tests of thruster technology, and a definite return date cannot be given at present.
Steve Stick, NASA's commercial manned program manager, said on a media call that the team of engineers will begin a series of ground inspections and tests of Starliner's thruster technology at the White Sands missile range in New Mexico as early as July 2, which could take weeks. After the completion of the tests, the landing plan of the Starliner will be studied. Therefore, a specific return date cannot be given until these tests are completed.
NASA:
It is still planned to return astronauts on a "starliner".
Stick, NASA's commercial manned project manager, stressed that the two American astronauts are very safe at the moment. "Our plan is to still let them return on a 'starliner.'"
Expert:
Orbital resupply is available for up to 45 days but there is uncertainty
NASA and Boeing had to conduct more tests to confirm that the problem was resolved. So are the astronauts currently on the space station safe? Let's take a look at the analysis of Pang Zhihao, the chief science communication expert of the national space exploration technology.
Pang Zhihao, Chief Science Communication Expert of National Space Exploration Technology: Now NASA and Boeing engineers are evaluating and solving these problems on the spacecraft, hoping to find the cause of the failure and formulate solutions through a series of ground tests and inspections to ensure that the astronauts can return safely. These failures have occurred before, suggesting that the Starliner spacecraft may have some technical problems and areas for improvement. According to NASA's program manager for commercial manned spaceflight, the two American astronauts are currently very safe and still plan to return them on a Starliner spacecraft.
Pang Zhihao, chief science communication expert of national space exploration technology: Although the spacecraft failed and delayed its return after launch, the person in charge stressed that after the spacecraft docked with the space station, it performed well in orbit, and because there were sufficient supplies in orbit, the time for the astronauts to leave the space station was not urgent. So astronauts and even spacecraft can stay in orbit for up to 45 days if needed.
Pang Zhihao, Chief Science Communication Expert of National Space Exploration Technology: However, there are some risks and uncertainties in space missions. Although the current situation is relatively stable, the relevant departments are trying to solve the problem of the spacecraft and arrange for the return of astronauts as soon as possible. At the same time, the team on the ground is constantly monitoring and evaluating various situations in order to cope with new changes that may arise.
Expert:
Complete the thruster technology test first, and then study the return plan
Pang Zhihao, Chief Science Communication Expert of National Space Exploration Technology: It is reported that the spacecraft's engineering team will conduct a series of ground inspections and tests on the thruster technology of the "Starliner" at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, the United States, as early as July 2. It could take weeks to test it before working on a plan to return home.
Alternatives:
Two astronauts can return to Earth via the Crew Dragon spacecraft
Pang Zhihao, Chief Science Communication Expert of National Space Exploration Technology: If it really doesn't work, I think the United States still has a spacecraft that can ensure that astronauts can finally return home. Because the United States also has a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft, if the "Starliner" spacecraft is really not good, it can still return through the Crew Dragon spacecraft. This necessitated the launch of a spacecraft to bring the two astronauts back. At that time, when the United States was bidding, it specified two schemes, the Crew Dragon spacecraft program and the "Starliner" spacecraft program, which was equivalent to having a backup. The Crew Dragon spacecraft can carry seven people, but now it is four. I think the United States will still use its own spacecraft to bring astronauts back to Earth.