Ground Control to Starliner: We Have a Problem

The Boeing Starliner, a once promising spacecraft, departed from the International Space Station (ISS) empty-handed, leaving behind its two astronauts, Sunita “Suni” Williams (58) and Barry “Butch” Wilmore (61), at the ISS for a longer than expected stay because of mechanical failures. What might have been a setback, or the stuff of a sci-fi nightmare of being lost in space,  was turned into a lesson on professional determination, resilience and the ability to troubleshoot during a crisis.

On June 5 2024, the Starliner launched from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, with the intention of marking the first accompanied take off of the Boeing-designed spacecraft. The Starliner was built to compete with Elon Musk and SpaceX; it was built to be reliable and able to make routine trips to space and back. Williams and Wilmore were the two astronauts chosen to take the Starliner on its first accompanied mission. Both NASA astronauts are U.S. Navy veteran test pilots and veteran astronauts having voyaged into space twice before. Although they were scheduled for an 8-day mission to the ISS, they are still required to help with scientific research and maintenance. Despite the unexpected long stay for the two astronauts, the ISS has sufficient supplies for both of them during this extended period of time. Ironically, it will be a SpaceX spacecraft, the direct competitor of Boeing, that will end up bringing Williams and Wilmore back to Earth in 2025.

The two NASA astronauts were expected to take an 8-day trip to the ISS, but instead, they initially received notice after arriving at the ISS that they would be stuck there until further notice. The Starliner capsule suffered many issues during its voyage to the ISS, two of which being leaking helium and malfunctioning thrusters. Five out of the 28 thrusters malfunctioned, delaying docking by approximately an hour. After conducting experiments, NASA scientists discovered that 27 out of the 28 thrusters were functioning correctly. In addition, the test results showed that there was a tiny Teflon seal that swelled under pressure and high temperatures, which could block the propellant from flowing into the thrusters. Multiple helium leaks were found before and during takeoff, and even though they were not lethal, still jeopardized the lives of the astronauts. The Starliner flew back to Earth about a week ago, unaccompanied. The mission was the final trip for the Boeing Starliner to be approved by NASA to make routine trips. The two astronauts are now expected back approximately eight months longer than originally expected. 

Recently, there was a press conference.  The two astronauts were surprisingly upbeat and positive, which speaks to the resilience and grit of these veteran U.S. Navy pilots. When asked about whether they were upset about having to miss taking the Starliner voyage home, Williams said, “The up part is we are here with our friends … and we’ve got a ride home and looking forward to working on the ISS”. 

The two astronauts seemed to turn this mission failure into an opportunity to make the best of the moment. It even included a civics lesson. The astronauts were asked about their ability to vote in the upcoming presidential election. Wilmore said, “I sent down my absentee ballot … I am excited about that opportunity … and looking forward to voting from space”. With this example of carrying out their civic duty to vote, most Americans should feel hard-pressed with an excuse not to vote. 

When asked if they were let down by Boeing who designed the Starliner, Wilmore exclaimed, “Let down!? Absolutely not, it never entered my mind.” This attitude of not blaming or scapegoating anyone speaks to the professional attitude of these two exemplary astronauts. 

In regards to the question of whether they felt prepared for this change of events, Wilmore commented that “90% of our training is to prepare for the unexpected”. 

An interviewer asked whether Wilmore was upset about what was happening to their original mission, to which Wilmore responded, “Things I can’t control, I’m not going to fret over it”. When asked how she dealt with this same disappointment, Williams responded that she took the perspective to, “Turn to and take on the next activity of the day”. 

The topic then switched to the symbolism of what the two astronauts were wearing during the press conference, with a question about Wilmore’s shirt which stood out, which was the sign of the US Navy. Wilmore proudly explained, “These wings represent honor, courage, and commitment. NASA core values that we stand by are summed up in one word: resiliency … it’s not what we do, but who we are”. Although the Boeing Starliner mission changed dramatically for these two amazing astronauts, it has given them and NASA the opportunity to show the world what they are made of during this difficult time. Their resiliency is an example for Americans and all people on Earth, how to demonstrate true grit during tough times. 

Update 10/15/24: “that we stad” changed to “that we stand”