Isha Sharma
NASA recently provided insights into the decision to keep astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore off Boeing’s Starliner capsule, citing safety concerns due to technical issues that arose during the mission. While Boeing’s Starliner successfully landed in New Mexico, several thruster malfunctions and helium leaks raised alarms, leading NASA to opt for a SpaceX Crew Dragon return for the astronauts in 2025 instead.
The mission, intended to be Boeing’s crew debut, turned into a test flight of the Starliner capsule, with NASA officials labelling the decision to keep the astronauts off the spacecraft as the “right call.” Despite Boeing’s argument that the spacecraft was safe, NASA remained firm in prioritising astronaut safety.
Boeing’s Starliner Mission: Setbacks and Success
NASA, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, is an independent agency of the U.S. government that focuses on space exploration, aeronautics, and space research.
It was founded in 1958, taking over from the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) to guide the U.S. space efforts towards peaceful and scientific purposes.
NASA has been at the forefront of America’s space missions, such as Project Mercury, Project Gemini, the Apollo Moon landings, the Skylab space station, and the Space Shuttle program.
Today, NASA plays a key role in the International Space Station (ISS), the Commercial Crew Program, and the development of new spacecraft like Orion and the Space Launch System for the Artemis program aimed at returning to the Moon.
Recently Nasa had gone for Boeing Starliner Mission which was marred by multiple technical failures, including five thrusters failing shortly after launch and helium leaks affecting the spacecraft’s systems.
These malfunctions extended the mission far beyond its intended duration. Although Boeing claimed the spacecraft could bring the astronauts home, NASA chose to err on the side of caution, planning their return on a more reliable SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule.
NASA’s Commitment to Safety
NASA’s commercial crew program manager, Steve Stich, stressed that while the uncrewed return of the Starliner was a success, the decision to exclude the astronauts from the journey was wise given the circumstances.
NASA remains committed to safety as a core value, with the organisation’s leadership acknowledging the inherent risks involved in test flights.
The Starliner mission, though filled with technical setbacks, provided invaluable data for future missions.
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