Boeing’s Cursed ISS Mission May Finally Make It Back to Earth

For over two years, Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner has been plagued by problems, delays, and setbacks, making it a source of frustration for NASA and the American public. The spacecraft, designed to ferry astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS), has been embroiled in a series of technical glitches and failed missions, earning it the moniker “cursed” in the space industry.

But now, after a lengthy period of evaluation and testing, Boeing’s Starliner is poised to return to the ISS on its next mission, scheduled for September 2023. This marks a critical turning point for the company and its hopes of finally achieving a successful flight to the ISS, a milestone that has proven elusive for years.

Let’s rewind the clock and dive into the history of Boeing’s Starliner program, examining the challenges that have hindered its progress and the reasons for cautious optimism about its upcoming mission.

The First Stumble: December 2019

The initial test flight of Boeing’s Starliner in December 2019 ended in disappointment. Despite a successful launch, the spacecraft failed to dock with the ISS due to a software glitch, forcing it to return to Earth prematurely. This setback set the program back considerably, highlighting the crucial need for meticulous testing and validation.

A Second Attempt, Another Setback: May 2022

The second attempt in May 2022 brought another series of problems. While Starliner successfully docked with the ISS, a series of valve issues prevented the spacecraft from returning to Earth as planned, leading to a longer-than-expected mission. The mission was ultimately deemed successful, but the issues exposed the need for additional work on the spacecraft’s life support systems and thermal control.

The Quest for Success: September 2023

Now, with a revised timeline and a renewed sense of determination, Boeing is set to launch Starliner once again in September 2023. This time, the focus is on a crewed mission, carrying astronauts to the ISS for a long-duration stay.

What’s Different This Time?

Boeing has taken the time to address the issues identified in previous missions. They have implemented a rigorous series of tests and simulations, meticulously examining the spacecraft’s systems and software. This has involved:

• Software updates: A significant effort has been made to refine and improve the software controlling the Starliner’s systems, addressing the issues that plagued the 2019 flight.

• Valve replacement: The valve problems experienced in 2022 have been tackled with the replacement of critical components and the implementation of enhanced quality control procedures.

• Enhanced life support systems: The mission’s timeline has been adjusted to accommodate the additional time needed for the Starliner to function reliably and safely in orbit, ensuring the crew’s wellbeing.

The Stakes are High

This September’s mission is crucial for Boeing’s credibility and NASA’s commitment to a multi-vendor approach to human spaceflight. After several setbacks, the company must demonstrate the reliability and safety of the Starliner spacecraft.

A successful mission could pave the way for future crewed missions to the ISS and even further afield, potentially opening the door for commercial space tourism and a more robust space economy.

However, the pressure remains immense. A failure to meet expectations could further delay the program, dampen investor confidence, and potentially lead to a shift in NASA’s reliance on SpaceX, its primary partner for human spaceflight to the ISS.

Key Factors for Success

The success of the upcoming mission hinges on several crucial factors:

• Software stability: The Starliner’s software must perform flawlessly, accurately navigating the spacecraft to the ISS and back.

• Life support systems: The spacecraft’s life support systems need to operate consistently, providing a safe and comfortable environment for the astronauts during their extended stay.

• Thermal control: Maintaining the internal temperature within safe limits is critical, especially during the return journey through the Earth’s atmosphere.

Public Eye on Boeing

The eyes of the world will be on Boeing as the Starliner prepares for its next journey to the ISS. The company has a chance to redeem itself, prove its capabilities, and demonstrate its commitment to the future of human space exploration.

This mission is more than just a flight; it represents a crucial step in the evolution of space exploration and the potential for a more accessible and commercially viable future in orbit.

The Road Ahead: Beyond the ISS

Looking beyond the immediate goal of a successful ISS mission, Boeing’s ambitions extend to other space ventures. The company is actively involved in the development of the Lunar Gateway, a space station designed to support lunar exploration and eventually, missions to Mars.

This long-term vision reinforces the importance of Boeing’s Starliner program. A successful ISS mission would serve as a testament to the company’s engineering prowess and pave the way for its broader contributions to the future of human spaceflight.

Conclusion: A Turning Point

Boeing’s Starliner mission in September 2023 marks a turning point for the company and the future of human space exploration. A successful mission will be a critical milestone, demonstrating the reliability of the Starliner spacecraft and paving the way for further commercial involvement in the space economy.

However, the challenges remain, and the stakes are high. The world is watching, and Boeing’s success in this mission will have a significant impact on the trajectory of space exploration in the years to come.