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NASA Astronauts Voice Continued Support for Boeing Starliner Despite Flight Anomalies
Despite encountering challenges during its inaugural crewed mission, NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore have expressed unwavering support for Boeing’s Starliner capsule. Both astronauts, part of the Crew Flight Test (CFT) to the International Space Station (ISS), affirmed their willingness to fly on Starliner again, highlighting its unique capabilities and the commitment to resolving identified issues. This endorsement comes after a mission extension due to thruster malfunctions, transforming their planned eight-day stay into an extended period aboard the ISS.
Starliner’s Crew Flight Test: Overcoming Orbital Setbacks
Launched on the pivotal Crew Flight Test (CFT) mission last June, Wilmore and Williams experienced firsthand the complexities of space travel aboard Starliner. Anomalies with the spacecraft’s propulsion system necessitated an extension of the mission duration as NASA and Boeing engineers collaborated remotely to analyze and address the issue. Ultimately, what was intended as an eight-day mission to the space station evolved into a nine-month sojourn for the astronaut duo.
In a significant decision last August, NASA opted to return Starliner to Earth without its crew. Williams and Wilmore were subsequently reassigned to SpaceX‘s Crew-9 mission, joining fellow NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, who reached the space station the following September. Following considerable speculation, the CFT astronauts have now openly discussed their experiences, conveying their confidence in the Starliner program and their readiness to fly again.
Astronaut Confidence in Starliner’s Future
“Yes, because we’re going to rectify all the issues that we encountered,” stated Wilmore during a press briefing on Monday, March 31. “We’re going to fix it; we’re going to make it operational. Boeing is fully dedicated, and NASA is completely dedicated. Knowing this, I would board it without hesitation.”
Williams echoed this sentiment, adding, “It is an exceptional spacecraft, possessing considerable functionality not found in other spacecraft. Contributing to the success of this program and witnessing its achievements is a privilege.”
Post-Mission Reflections at Johnson Space Center
The press event took place at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, approximately two weeks after SpaceX’s Crew Dragon Freedom safely splashed down off the Florida coast, carrying Williams, Wilmore, Hague, and Gorbunov.
All three NASA astronauts present—Gorbunov was absent—participated in the briefing. They expressed appreciation for the public interest in their mission. Wilmore and Williams addressed the orbital challenges faced by Starliner and discussed the shared responsibility for resolving them.
Shared Responsibility for Mission Challenges
“You can begin with me,” Wilmore acknowledged, emphasizing collective accountability. “Responsibility rests with Boeing? Absolutely. Responsibility with NASA? Absolutely. It extends throughout the entire organizational structure.”
Addressing Political Interpretations
Earlier commentary had attempted to politicize Williams and Wilmore’s space journey. For instance, former President Donald Trump and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk suggested that the Starliner crew was effectively “abandoned” in orbit by the current administration. However, the astronauts clarified that an extended orbital period was always considered within mission contingency plans.
“A large team diligently assessed the entire program, determining the optimal timing and method for our return,” Williams clarified. “We were aware of this and prepared to wait for that informed decision.”
The astronauts further explained that their focus on orbit shielded them from external discussions concerning their mission. “When you are operating in space, political matters are imperceptible,” Hague noted. “Concentration is solely on the mission objectives.”
Pre-Planned Crew Rotation
Hague also reiterated that the plan for Williams and Wilmore’s return aboard the Crew-9 Dragon was established well in advance of their launch.
“Our plans from the outset included returning toward the end of February,” he explained. “This timeline was contingent on the arrival of a replacement crew and ensuring adequate handover procedures before our departure.”
Crew-10 Mission and Station Continuity
SpaceX’s Crew-10 mission, carrying the replacement crew for NASA, launched on March 14, reaching the ISS several hours later. Crew overlap during rotations is standard practice and a NASA requirement to maintain uninterrupted operations.
“Maintaining the operations of the International Space Station, advancing research, and continuing exploration were paramount and never in question,” Hague affirmed.
Continued Involvement with Starliner Program
Williams and Wilmore intend to remain involved with the Starliner program following their return to Earth. Their message remains clear: premature dismissal of Starliner is unwarranted.
According to Wilmore, they are scheduled to meet with Boeing leadership this week to discuss Starliner’s identified issues. “They are eager to collaborate with us,” he stated.
Unique Perspective: Dual Spacecraft Experience
Their eventful mission has afforded Williams and Wilmore a distinctive vantage point: they are the only astronauts to have operated both Starliner and Crew Dragon, the two commercial spacecraft contracted by NASA for crew transport to and from the ISS.
Both spacecraft offer commendable space travel experiences, the astronauts conveyed during the Monday briefing.
“Both are excellent, albeit for different reasons,” Williams commented. “Dragon is a very user-friendly spacecraft, providing clear operational feedback, which is highly beneficial.” She then lauded Starliner’s distinctive, manually adjustable capabilities.
Starliner vs. Crew Dragon: Contrasting Features
Wilmore highlighted Starliner’s unique characteristic – the astronauts’ ability to assume manual control of the capsule at any juncture, contrasting with Crew Dragon’s more automated, straightforward flight system.
“I jokingly mentioned prior to launch that I could theoretically perform a barrel roll above the space station with Starliner,” Wilmore recounted. “While I would never attempt such a maneuver, the spacecraft’s capabilities are truly extensive.”
Regarding Dragon, both astronauts concurred on one improvement: “More Velcro.” The streamlined internal design with fewer physical controls seemingly offers more surface area for Velcro strips, useful for securing items like pens and notebooks in microgravity.
Optimism for Starliner’s Future
Wilmore expressed optimism regarding Starliner’s prospects, citing its intrinsic capabilities and the demonstrated commitment from both NASA and Boeing.
“If we can resolve a couple of critical primary concerns related to the thrusters and the helium system, Starliner is poised for operational readiness,” Wilmore concluded. However, he acknowledged, “This resolution will require dedicated effort and time.”