The Decision Is Made - Boeing Might Be Safe? But SpaceX Is SAFER!

Summary

In this video, Scott Manley discusses the challenges faced by Boeing's Starliner spacecraft, which was set to carry astronauts Barry Wilmore and Sita Williams to the International Space Station. Due to ongoing issues with the thrusters and helium leaks, NASA decided to switch their return to a SpaceX Crew Dragon. The video also covers the implications of this decision, including the impact on future missions and the unique situation of having two active crew spacecraft in operation.

Takeaways

• 🚀 The Boeing Starliner spacecraft has faced multiple delays and issues, including software problems, valve position problems, and thruster issues, which have affected its readiness for crewed missions.
• 👨‍🚀 Astronauts Barry 'Butch' Wilmore and Sunita 'Suni' Williams, initially scheduled to return on a Starliner, will now use a SpaceX Crew Dragon due to concerns over the Starliner's thruster performance.
• 🔄 The first Starliner test flight encountered software issues that almost prevented it from reaching orbit, leading to a change in plans for subsequent missions.
• 🛠️ A second uncrewed test flight was delayed due to problems with valve positions and corrosion in the propulsion system, which required a teardown and rebuild.
• 🔧 Even after reaching the International Space Station, the Starliner faced further issues with wiring harnesses and parachute harnesses that needed to be addressed.
• 🛰️ Despite reaching the ISS, the Starliner's thrusters began to show performance outside of specifications, prompting an extended stay for Butch and Suni for further investigation.
• 🔬 Engineers have been working to replicate and understand the thruster issues on the ground, with theories including heat retention affecting Teflon seals in the thrusters' oxidizer valves.
• 🔄 The original plan for the Crew Dragon (Crew 9) has been disrupted by the Starliner's extended stay, leading to changes in the crew manifest and potential reconfiguration of the mission.
• 👥 The decision to switch astronauts from the Starliner to the Crew Dragon has implications for the crew manifest, with experienced astronauts potentially being prioritized for the return flight.
• 👕 The astronauts will need to use SpaceX suits for their return, as the Boeing suits are not compatible with the SpaceX spacecraft.
• 📈 This situation highlights the complexity and challenges of spaceflight, as well as the importance of safety and thorough investigation in human space exploration.

Q & A

What is the current status of the Boeing Starliner spacecraft?

The Boeing Starliner spacecraft has been facing several technical issues, including problems with valve positions, corrosion, wiring harnesses, parachute harnesses, and thrusters. Despite these challenges, it has successfully docked with the International Space Station (ISS), but NASA has decided to use a SpaceX Crew Dragon for the return of astronauts Barry 'Butch' Wilmore and Sunita 'Suni' Williams due to unresolved concerns with the Starliner's thrusters.

Why are astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams, also known as 'B and S', staying longer on the ISS?

Butch and Sunita are staying longer on the ISS because NASA wants to further investigate the thruster issues with the Starliner spacecraft. As a result, they will return to Earth on a SpaceX Crew Dragon instead of the Starliner, which was initially planned.

What was the initial plan for the Starliner's first crewed test flight?

The initial plan for the Starliner's first crewed test flight was to carry two astronauts to the ISS. However, due to various technical issues, the plan has been altered, and the spacecraft is now only carrying cargo and a plushy Kerbal toy.

What issues were identified during the Starliner's second uncrewed test flight?

During the second uncrewed test flight, problems with valve positions were discovered, leading to an aborted launch. The spacecraft had to be taken back for repairs, which included tearing down and rebuilding the propulsion system due to corrosion caused by the interaction between the propellant and moisture in the air.

What is the significance of the 'dog houses' on the Starliner spacecraft?

The 'dog houses' are structures on the side of the Starliner spacecraft that house the thrusters. One theory suggests that these structures may be retaining too much heat, leading to issues with the thrusters' performance during extended firings.

What modifications were made to the Soyuz spacecraft after the Columbia disaster in 2003?

After the Columbia disaster, the Soyuz spacecraft underwent modifications to become the Soyuz TMA series, which included extending the size of the couches and making other adjustments. This new version was used as a return vehicle for the Expedition 6 crew, who had to return to Earth on the Soyuz after their initial ride, the Space Shuttle, was lost.

Why was the launch of the Starliner's crewed test flight delayed in May?

The launch was delayed due to a chattering oxygen relief valve on the Atlas 5 rocket's Centaur upper stage. This required the entire booster to be rolled back for valve replacement, which took a month to complete.

What is the current plan for the return of Butch and Sunita to Earth?

The current plan is for Butch and Sunita to return to Earth on a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft, as opposed to the Starliner, due to the ongoing concerns with the Starliner's thruster performance.

How has the Starliner's issues impacted the schedule of other missions?

The Starliner's issues have caused a domino effect on the schedule of other missions. For instance, the Crew Dragon for the Crew-9 mission has been delayed because the Starliner is occupying its parking spot at the ISS.

What are the implications of having two different active crew spacecraft for the US?

Having two different active crew spacecraft provides the US with the luxury of choosing between them based on safety and mission requirements. It also ensures redundancy and flexibility in space travel, which is crucial for maintaining a continuous human presence in space.

What is the current contingency plan if there is an emergency on the ISS while the Starliner is undocked?

The current contingency plan involves the astronauts strapping themselves to the cargo area underneath the seats on the ISS, as the Starliner's suits are not compatible with SpaceX's suits, and there is no dedicated return spacecraft available during that period.