‘No rush to go home’: Starliner capsule’s return flight turns into a headache

The American space agency says it again and again: no, Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams are not “stuck” aboard the International Space Station (ISS). However, it is clear that the stay of the two astronauts is extended beyond the initially scheduled schedule. The duration of the trip has almost quadrupled.

Having left Cape Canaveral on June 5, the two members of the Boeing Crew Flight Test (Boe-CFT) mission will celebrate their fourth week aboard the ISS on July 3. This, with no clear outlook on their return to Earth date. It was originally scheduled for June 14; since then, the return schedule has been constantly adjusted — and pushed back.

A duration extended to 90 days?

The Starliner capsule is capable of remaining docked with the ISS for a period of 45 days. However, it is possible to add 45 more days, taking advantage of the fact that the station can recharge the spacecraft’s batteries. Therefore, the Boe-CFT mission could theoretically last 90 days in the worst case, almost thirteen times longer than the initial duration.

This prospect was raised by CNN in its columns on June 28, based on the observations of Steve Stich, head of NASA’s human spaceflight program. The agency has not yet decided on the issue, but this possibility is now on the table. If these 90 days take place, the return would take place in late August / early September.

Steve Stich added that there was no fire at the lake, as if to allay any potential concerns: ” We’re in no hurry to get home ” The fact remains that NASA and Boeing have not yet fully clarified the causes of the capsule’s operating errors. It is therefore impossible to return without removing all doubts.

The answers to the capsule’s difficulties in space may come from land. Indeed, a test campaign is due to begin on July 2 at the White Sands test center, New Mexico, in order to reproduce the way in which the thrusters were used during the flight. These tests will last at least two weeks.

It is after this first phase that NASA and Boeing hope to have a better idea of ​​what is happening and, therefore, the timetable for the return of Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams. In the meantime, the two astronauts pass the time by helping the rest of the crew with their daily activities. It is better that they occupy their minds.

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