NASA's Starliner Crisis: Thruster Failures and a Harrowing Docking Attempt

In a startling revelation, an astronaut involved in the Boeing Starliner's problem-filled Crew Test Flight last June, Butch Wilmore, shared that the spacecraft experienced numerous thruster failures, resulting in a critical control loss during its approach to the International Space Station (ISS). The nature of these failures was serious enough that they should have prompted an immediate abort of the mission's docking attempt. However, NASA, facing significant concerns, decided to waive established flight protocols despite these red flags. Initially, the launch proceeded smoothly, with the ULA Atlas V rocket performing flawlessly and the Starliner succeeding in post-separation tests. However, as the spacecraft neared the ISS, mechanical complications arose, with two thrusters failing and threatening the Starliner's ability to maintain its six degrees of freedom (6DOF) in space. Although a failure of even one more thruster could render the Starliner uncontrollable, NASA chose to push forward with the docking process. Matters worsened when two additional thrusters failed, culminating in the loss of 6DOF control despite Wilmore's command. The response by NASA's Mission Control in Houston was swift and crucial, as the team guided Wilmore through releasing manual control, allowing techs to execute a remote reset of the failing thrusters. Ultimately, this risky maneuver was successful, as control was partially restored, enabling a successful docking with the ISS. Once aboard the station, astronauts faced another dilemma. Their return module, the Starliner, could not safely return them to Earth. Although alternative evacuation plans existed, the crew was effectively marooned until an opportune rotation of ISS crews occurred. The scenario concluded with the crew's delayed return on NASA's SpaceX Crew 9 mission months later. This incident highlights pressing concerns regarding NASA's decision-making processes and the risks involved in waiving safety and operational standards. Notably, this piece of news, first reported by Associated Newspapers and further detailed by Ars Technica, underscores significant issues of transparency and protocol adherence by NASA. Comments for this article can be made following the House rules and Terms of the Daily Mail, Mail on Sunday, and Metro Media Group.