Sunita Williams’ Return Mission Advances After NASA’s Breakthrough Tests, But Tension Remains High

Despite officials repeatedly assuring that Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, which launched NASA’s Crew Flight Test astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, is not stranded in space, concerns are mounting due to the prolonged delay in the crew’s return to Earth. After its launch aboard an Atlas V rocket, the Starliner CS-100 has been docked at the International Space Station (ISS) since June 6. It was originally planned to return on June 14.

However, the delay has been due to the need for additional tests that can only be conducted in space, leading the crew to remain on the International Space Station (ISS) beyond their initial schedule.

Despite the extended mission, NASA continues to reassure that the astronauts are not stranded and can return when needed. In a promising development, recent successful tests offer hope for a timely return for Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore.

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After overcoming setbacks related to helium leaks and thruster issues, the Boeing Starliner achieved a significant milestone. On July 27, Boeing’s blog reported that the spacecraft successfully completed a crucial in-space test. The Starliner team performed a docked hot fire test of the Reaction Control System (RCS) thrusters and monitored its helium system, yielding positive results that suggest the team’s return to Earth could be imminent.

The Crew Flight team tested 27 out of the spacecraft’s 28 thrusters as part of the procedure. Starliner flight director Chloe Mehring commented, “The integrated teams between Starliner and ISS worked extremely well together this week to finalise and safely execute the docked hotfire sequence.” Mehring will lead the control team in the potential undocking from the ISS.

Meanwhile, astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore were safely onboard Starliner Calypso, providing real-time feedback during the test. According to Boeing’s official update, the astronauts will participate in two undock-to-landing simulations in the coming week. Although an official landing date has not yet been set, there are undocking opportunities throughout August.

NASA Commercial Crew’s social media update on X (formerly Twitter) on July 28 (IST) also noted, “Teams will evaluate the results of the test firings over the next few days as they work through overall studies ahead of an agency readiness review.” This review will help determine the target return date.

In addition to the previously mentioned test, the Flight Test team also evaluated the spacecraft’s water systems and internal pressure, with all data currently under review. Despite the multiple setbacks encountered during Starliner’s first crewed mission, these positive updates have reignited hope for a successful conclusion and the timely return of the crew members to Earth.

Upcoming NASA Launch Adds Pressure on Boeing Starliner’s Return

The pressure is intensifying for Boeing’s Starliner as NASA plans to launch another crew to the International Space Station (ISS) in the coming weeks. To avoid overcrowding, the Starliner, which currently occupies one of the two available U.S. docking ports, needs to undock promptly. The ISS has six docking ports, but both U.S. ports are currently in use—one by SpaceX’s Crew Dragon Endeavour and the other by the Boeing Starliner.

NASA is preparing for the Crew-9 mission, which is scheduled to launch “no earlier than August 18.” This upcoming launch adds urgency for Boeing to ensure that the Starliner undocks in time, as delays in the Starliner’s return could also impact the Crew-9 mission. The tight schedule highlights the critical need for a successful and timely return of the Starliner crew to avoid any potential delays in the upcoming mission.

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