The Boeing Starliner spacecraft recently returned to Earth, but without its astronauts. This decision followed problems with the spacecraftβs thrusters. Hereβs what happened:
Mission Overview
The Starliner launched successfully and delivered NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams to the International Space Station (ISS) in June 2024. However, thruster issues forced NASA and Boeing to cancel the Starlinerβs return trip for the astronauts.
Return Plan
Instead of using the Starliner, the astronauts will return home on a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule in February 2025. This plan ensures their safe return while Boeing fixes the issues with the Starliner.
Technical Challenges
After its June launch, the Starliner faced problems with its reaction control system (RCS) thrusters. Five of the 28 RCS thrusters failed. NASA kept the spacecraft at the ISS for three months to fix and study the problems.
Future of Starliner
Boeing engineers will work on the spacecraft to resolve these technical problems. They aim to make the Starliner reliable for future crewed missions to space.
The Starliner’s uncrewed return highlights the challenges of space travel and the ongoing efforts to ensure spacecraft reliability.
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