Two astronauts, who are currently stranded in space longer than anticipated due to a series of technical issues with the Starliner capsule they were aboard, remain confident that Boeing will ensure their safe return to Earth despite the company’s recent troubles. NASA test pilots Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams believe the spacecraft will get them home without any problems, as they continue to assist the seven-member crew on the International Space Station (ISS.
The Starliner’s troubles began last month when helium leaks and thruster failures were discovered on the new capsule. Despite these issues, both astronauts maintain an optimistic outlook on their current predicament. I have a real good feeling in my heart that the spacecraft will bring us home, no problem,” said Williams during the pair’s first news conference from orbit.
Wilmore added, “We’re absolutely confident” they will return safely after thruster testing is completed on Earth. The test flight was initially supposed to land back on Earth on June 14, but the issues have ensured that the astronauts will not be home any earlier than late July.
Boeing and NASA are currently working together to duplicate the Starliner’s thruster problems in a new unit at a missile range in New Mexico this week, with the hope that it could be the key to their return. Five of the capsule’s thrusters failed as it approached the space station on June 6, a day after lift-off; so far, four out of five have been reactivated – which Wilmore said should be enough working thrusters to get them home safely.
Despite the extended stay in orbit and ongoing technical issues, both astronauts emphasize that they have enjoyed their time in space and appreciate the opportunity to assist the ISS crew. They remain confident in Boeing’s ability to resolve the current issues and ensure a safe return. We trust that the tests that we’re doing are the ones we need to do to get the right answers, to give us the data that we need to come back,” said Wilmore.
Boeing vice president Mark Nappi insisted that if there was an emergency, the Starliner could carry its crew right now. The company doesn’t think the thrusters are damaged, but “we want to fill in the blanks and run this test to assure ourselves of that.” Officials have also stated that there is plenty of helium left for the trip home despite the leaks.
Boeing has faced multiple challenges in recent months, including a door plug blowing off an Alaskan Boeing 737 Max-9 mid-flight earlier this year and pleading guilty to criminal fraud charges connected to two deadly crashes of its jetliners that happened in 2018 and 2019. Despite these issues, both astronauts remain optimistic about their situation and confident in Boeing’s ability to resolve the current problems and bring them home safely.
