Boeing's Starliner Mission Faces Setbacks: Astronauts Remain Stranded in Space

Boeing's Starliner spacecraft, which recently completed a critical test mission, has returned to Earth, without the astronauts it was meant to bring back. After a three-month stint in space, technical issues forced the spacecraft to leave behind astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who will remain at the International Space Station (ISS) until February 2025.

The Starliner successfully touched down at White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico on Saturday at 04:01 GMT. However, due to safety concerns, NASA decided to keep Wilmore and Williams aboard the ISS instead of allowing them to return with the spacecraft. Their return will now be handled by SpaceX, Boeing's competitor, in early 2025.

A Troubled Mission

Boeing’s Starliner mission was supposed to be the final hurdle before the spacecraft was certified by NASA for regular use. However, during the June ascent to space, five of Starliner’s 28 thrusters malfunctioned. This, coupled with helium leaks in the propulsion system, prompted Boeing to initiate a thorough investigation, costing the aerospace giant a reported $125 million. 

Despite Boeing's assurances that the crew could safely return on Starliner, NASA disagreed, citing uncertainty in Boeing's thruster degradation models. The mood at these discussions was reportedly “tense,” with NASA ultimately opting for the safer course of leaving the astronauts in space.

Setbacks for Boeing

For Boeing, this mission is the latest in a series of setbacks that have tarnished its once-dominant position in the aerospace industry. This was not the first instance of trouble for the Starliner; during a 2019 test flight, the spacecraft failed to complete its mission. Though a 2022 reattempt was successful, technical issues persisted, raising questions about Starliner’s reliability.

The problems plaguing Starliner highlight the broader competition between Boeing and SpaceX. Once the undisputed leader in space missions, Boeing’s standing has been challenged by SpaceX’s more cost-effective solutions for NASA. Now, with astronauts Wilmore and Williams reliant on SpaceX for their return, Boeing's role in future space missions faces heightened scrutiny.

Boeing has announced plans to recover the Starliner capsule and continue investigating the thruster malfunctions. However, this latest complication adds to the company’s growing list of challenges, including safety concerns related to its commercial aviation sector.

As Wilmore and Williams remain stranded for another year, the mission intended to showcase Boeing’s capability has instead underscored the difficulties the aerospace giant faces in maintaining its status.