Astronauts Trapped in ISS Due to Boeing’s Faulty Spacecraft
Two NASA astronauts, Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams, have been stranded in the International Space Station (ISS) for over two months due to a malfunction with their Boeing-built Starliner spacecraft. The agency officially acknowledged the issue on August 7th, admitting they were unable to bring the astronauts home.
The Starliner encountered problems during its initial launch, with five out of twenty-eight satellites malfunctioning. While some of the machines restarted, concerns remain about the capsule’s stability during maneuvering. The astronauts’ fate remains uncertain, with no clear plan to bring them back to Earth.
This incident highlights the inherent risks of space travel and raises questions about Boeing’s reliability in the industry. The manufacturer has faced numerous investigations for previous failures of their aircraft, raising concerns about their capabilities in the space sector. Notably, this mission was originally scheduled for 2017 but was repeatedly delayed due to technical issues.
NASA’s reliance on private companies for space travel has both advantages and disadvantages. While outsourcing development can save costs and encourage innovation, it also means the agency has less control over the outcome. This is evident in the delay of the return of American astronauts to the Moon, originally planned for 2025.
As a potential solution, NASA is considering using SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule, which has performed flawlessly since its launch in 2020. While this would be a blow to Boeing’s pride, it would also highlight Elon Musk’s growing influence in the space industry.