Believe it or not, the International Space Station has been in orbit for nearly 24 years. Boeing was the primary contractor in its development, and a few years back, Boeing was the recipient of a $4.2 billion contract from NASA. This contract was to develop a routine space transportation system that could shuttle cargo as well as astronauts. Though delayed due to a variety of missteps and safety concerns, Boeing finally launched its Starliner space shuttle in June. But once again, Boeing is faced with yet another problem as its astronaut shuttle transport will only be effective one-way. An identified thruster problem in route to the International Space Station is making it unsafe for crewed travel back. And as a result, the two astronauts on board will have an extended stay in space.
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What was supposed to be several days at the International Space Station will now be several months for the two astronauts, and it won’t be Boeing that will be accommodating their return to Earth. Instead, SpaceX will make adjustments to bring them back home during its next scheduled trip. On the one hand, having an alternative astronaut shuttle transport option credits NASA’s advanced planning. Having redundancy in its space transportation system was a priority for them when the space program was revamped. But at the same time, the extended delay with current operations is far from ideal. Greater investments in contingency plans are needed if such a space transportation system is to be effective and efficient.
Troubles at Boeing
For Boeing, the road has been pretty rocky as of late. The company has experienced some major safety concerns given recent events involving the integrity of its airplanes. Despite a verbal commitment to safety, red flags keep occurring warranting federal inquires. Despite this, NASA has continued to have faith in Boeing. This faith has persisted despite Boeing lagging four years behind SpaceX in its space transportation system development. Both companies were supposed to be providing astronaut shuttle transport by now. However, SpaceX has been the only one until recently to successfully launch a crewed spacecraft. June marked the first attempt for Boeing’s Starliner, but it too has failed to do so with appropriate safety measures. This isn’t a favorable situation for Boeing and its public image.
Boeing’s latest problem occurred when its astronaut shuttle transport Starliner had helium leaks detected. Concurrently, as the spacecraft approached the International Space Station, issues with its propulsion system was also noted. Specifically, five of its 28 thrusters stopped firing. While Boeing engineers believed they corrected the problem, NASA believed the safety risk to the astronauts was too great. Given that this was Starliner’s first crewed voyage, NASA chose to take precaution. That meant that the two astronauts, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, wouldn’t be making the return trip home as planned. Rather than an eight-day orbit, they instead will be part of an 8-month one. Boeing’s Starliner will be leaving as planned, but uncrewed on its return flight.
SpaceX to the Rescue
As part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, there was always plans for contingencies when it came to astronaut shuttle transport. This is why both Boeing and SpaceX were awarded contracts to develop a commercial space transportation system. This private-public partnership was believed to be the most efficient and effective approach for future space commerce and travel. In the aftermath of the Challenger explosion decades prior, a new approach was needed. Since that time, SpaceX has excelled, having now completed many crewed missions with its next planned to leave in late September. The company’s success in this regard contrasts significantly with that of Boeing’s as of late. And given the current situation, SpaceX’s success is quite fortuitous.
With NASA and Boeing determining the return flight on the Starliner is too risky, SpaceX is providing a solution. Once the Starliner departs the International Space Station, the SpaceX Crew-9 mission will depart, since an open port will then be available. SpaceX will then provide the astronaut shuttle transport for the two stranded astronauts left by the Starliner. But this isn’t as easy as it sounds. Instead of a four-person crew, SpaceX will only crew the spacecraft with two astronauts. Likewise, accommodations will need to be made for extra cargo, personal items, and the different style of spacesuits these astronauts wear. And most notably, the SpaceX craft will not be returning until sometime in February. Though this redundancy in the current space transportation system is helpful, it’s far from ideal.
A Victory or an Opportunity?
In some ways, NASA’s Commercial Crew Program can celebrate the fact that the two astronauts have a safer option to return. Otherwise, they might be having to take unwanted risks by returning on the current Starliner. Or waiting even longer in space before a revised Starliner can return. In this regard, SpaceX and NASA have a reasonable solution to the current dilemma. But the situation also demonstrates the shortcomings of the current space transportation system. Having to wait over half a year in space awaiting an astronaut shuttle transport isn’t great. It might be safer, which is critical. But the impact this has on the astronauts and their families are tremendous. Thus, while NASA might be satisfied with SpaceX’s support, such a solution is not one that provides sustainability.
Understandably, these are not simple solutions. Creating greater efficiency and contingencies within a space transportation system requires tremendous resource investments. It also requires extensive safety testing. But having only two viable astronaut shuttle transport options also seems insufficient should mishaps occur. Ultimately, space commerce is anticipated to be much more pervasive. And if this is to be realized, bolder solutions are required. Perhaps this requires greater competition when it comes to astronaut shuttle transport alternatives. Or maybe it demands more frequent trips and dependable spacecraft. In either case, the current space transportation system fails to provide adequate provisions to support active space commerce. Hopefully, current events will prompt greater efforts toward a more comprehensive system.
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