Will Starliner, the Boeing spacecraft that took Sunita Williams to space, fly again?

Nasa has confirmed that it will continue with SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft to ferry astronauts and cargo to space through 2025.

In Short

• The decision has significant implications for Boeing
• It marks another delay in Starliner's certification process
• he financial and reputational costs for Boeing are surmounting

The recent return of Boeing's Starliner spacecraft without its crew has cast doubt on the future of this troubled vehicle in Nasa's Commercial Crew Program.

Initially hailed as a competitor to SpaceX's Dragon capsule, Starliner's latest setback raises questions about its viability and Boeing's role in ferrying astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS).

To add insult to injury, Nasa has confirmed that it will continue with SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft to ferry astronauts and cargo to space through 2025.

DELAYS MAR STARLINER

The Crew Flight Test, which began on June 5, 2024, with Nasa astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry "Butch" Wilmore aboard, was meant to be a crucial milestone for Starliner.

However, technical issues, including helium leaks and thruster problems, forced Nasa to make the unprecedented decision to return the spacecraft empty while leaving its crew on the ISS.

This decision, while prioritising astronaut safety, has significant implications for Boeing and the Commercial Crew Program. It marks another delay in Starliner's certification process, potentially widening the gap with SpaceX's already operational Dragon capsule.

The financial and reputational costs for Boeing, which has already invested billions in the program, continue to mount.

IS THERE STILL HOPE?

Nasa officials, including Steve Stich, manager of the Commercial Crew Program, have expressed confidence that Starliner could have safely returned the astronauts.

However, the decision to err on the side of caution points to the complexities and risks inherent in human spaceflight.

The key question now is whether Starliner will fly again with a crew.

Nasa and Boeing will need to conduct a thorough review of the mission data and address the technical issues that arose during the flight. This process could take months, if not longer, potentially pushing any future crewed missions into late 2025 or beyond.

Boeing's ability to quickly resolve these issues and regain Nasa's full confidence will be crucial. The agency has already shifted Williams and Wilmore to a future SpaceX mission, indicating a willingness to rely more heavily on Dragon for its immediate crewed flight needs.

Despite these challenges, it's premature to write off Starliner entirely.

NASA has consistently expressed its desire for multiple crew transport options to ensure reliable access to the ISS. However, Boeing will need to demonstrate significant improvements and reliability in Starliner's performance to secure its place in future missions.

The coming months will be critical in determining whether Starliner can overcome its troubled history and emerge as a viable option for crewed spaceflight, or if it will join the ranks of spacecraft that never fully realised their potential.