Jessica Heygate
Updated on: October 8, 2024 8:32 am GMT
As the clock ticked towards midnight on September 6, 2024, excitement built among space enthusiasts and the general public, as NASA’s Boeing Starliner spacecraft prepared for its dramatic return to Earth. This significant moment marked the conclusion of a journey that began 14 years ago, filled with aspirations but also considerable challenges.
Scheduled to initiate its deorbit burn at 11:17 p.m. EDT, the uncrewed Starliner was set to make its descent through the Earth’s atmosphere, with targeted landfall at White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico. This site was chosen for its expansive, flat terrain, which is deemed ideal for spacecraft landings. The deorbit burn is pivotal in slowing the spacecraft effectively to allow gravity to pull it back to Earth.
Challenges Faced During the Mission
The Starliner’s mission faced unexpected hurdles. Initially, it embarked on what was to be its inaugural crewed mission on June 5, successfully docking at the International Space Station (ISS) the following day. However, operations quickly became complicated when issues arose, including helium leaks and malfunctioning reaction control thrusters as Starliner approached the ISS. These concerns regarding the spacecraft’s reliability prompted NASA to make a significant decision on August 24: Starliner would return to Earth without its crew.
NASA prioritized astronaut safety, choosing to keep the astronauts aboard the ISS—Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams—who are slated to return with a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft in February 2025. This unprecedented move illustrated the commitment to ensuring the well-being of the crew members, demonstrating the careful considerations involved in space travel.
A Supportive Environment at the ISS
During the return mission, NASA astronauts aboard the ISS expressed confidence in the flight control team managing Starliner’s descent. Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who remained behind, offered encouraging words. “It’s time to bring Calypso home. You’ve got this,” Williams stated, demonstrating a spirit of camaraderie and support for the team working to safely land the spacecraft.
The Descent and Landing Process
The re-entry process involves a series of critical events. The spacecraft’s heat shield will be tested during the re-entry phase, followed by the deployment of its redesigned parachute system—a crucial aspect given prior design challenges. If all systems function as expected, Starliner is expected to touch down at 12:03 a.m. EDT, with a post-landing news conference scheduled for 1:30 a.m. EDT.
NASA’s various teams will be closely monitoring the descent stages, preparing to assess the Starliner’s performance during the landing sequence to inform future missions. The parachute deployment will be a significant point of interest, as the team will analyze the system’s effectiveness in ensuring a soft touchdown.
Upcoming NASA Missions and Crew Changes
In anticipation of future missions, NASA continues to adapt its plans amid evolving circumstances. Recent updates highlighted adjustments for the SpaceX Crew-9 mission, previously scheduled for September 24, 2024. NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov will now launch as part of a two-member crew for this particular flight to the ISS. This decision follows the return decisions made for the Starliner, illustrating the ongoing adjustments in crew assignments as conditions evolve.
Hague, who will command the Crew-9 mission, touts extensive experience with over 203 days logged in space. His previous flights included overcoming challenges from a rocket booster failure that necessitated an emergency landing in 2018. Gorbunov, making his inaugural trip to space, brings engineering expertise that complements Hague’s experience, ensuring a well-rounded pairing for the mission ahead.
Looking Ahead
As the Starliner’s mission comes to a close and plans for Crew-9 are finalized, NASA aims to continue fostering international collaboration in space exploration. The integration of a Roscosmos cosmonaut highlights the importance of joint efforts in maintaining safe operations aboard the ISS.
NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Stephanie Wilson, who were previously designated as part of the Crew-9 mission, remain eligible for reassignment on future flights. They expressed pride in their colleagues, affirming their commitment to contributing toward successful missions in whatever capacity needed.
This ongoing journey underscores the complexities involved in human spaceflight and NASA’s mission to explore the unknown while prioritizing the safety and well-being of its crew members. The developments surrounding the Starliner mission illustrate a dedicated approach to addressing challenges, ensuring that future missions can proceed with enhanced safety measures and protocols.
The Broader Impact of Space Exploration
Beyond the immediate excitement surrounding NASA missions, the processes involved in missions like Starliner also serve to deepen our understanding of human capabilities in space. Each mission provides invaluable data that informs how we can operate in orbit safely, manage logistics, and conduct scientific research. These ventures contribute not just to knowledge of space but also to advancements in technology that benefit life on Earth.
As we await the results from Starliner’s landing, the scientific community remains focused on harnessing insights from every mission to push the boundaries of what is possible in space exploration.
If you want to stay up-to-date with all the exciting changes happening at NASA, keep an eye on their updates. They will help you understand more about future missions and how we’re working to explore space again.
