The highly anticipated launch of the Boeing Starliner spacecraft, set to carry Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams along with NASA astronaut Butch Wilmore to the International Space Station (ISS), faced a setback as it was called off due to a technical issue with its rocket, Atlas V.
What is the Boeing Starliner Launch Mission?
Scheduled for its first crewed mission under NASA’s Commercial Crew Programme, the Boeing Starliner was poised to transport astronauts to the ISS. Williams and Wilmore were to become the first crew aboard this spacecraft, with docking at the space station planned for Wednesday.
Following a week-long mission, the crew capsule was intended to descend with the assistance of parachutes and airbags in the southwestern United States. Upon successful completion of the flight test, NASA would move forward with certifying the Starliner and its systems for regular human spaceflight launches.
What Went Wrong?
The launch was postponed as teams assessed an oxygen relief valve issue on the Centaur Stage of the Atlas V rocket. The astronauts exited the Starliner spacecraft and returned to their crew quarters for safety.
According to Dillon Rice, an engineer from United Launch Alliance, any deviation from expected data signatures prompted caution, especially considering the significance of the payload.
Boeing’s Ongoing Challenges
This setback adds to Boeing’s series of challenges with the Starliner spacecraft. Since NASA’s collaboration with Boeing and SpaceX for crew transportation to the ISS, Boeing has encountered various setbacks. Its first unmanned test flight in 2019 failed to reach the space station, leading to additional trials. The company also faced issues related to parachute performance and concerns regarding flammable materials.
Sunita Williams’ Third Space Mission Deferred
For Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams, this launch would have marked her third journey to space, making her the first woman to fly on a maiden crewed mission of a new space shuttle.
Background and Missions
Having spent a total of 322 days in space across two previous missions, Williams is renowned for her accomplishments, including setting records for the most spacewalk hours by a woman. Her first voyage occurred from December 9, 2006, to June 22, 2007, during which she conducted four spacewalks totaling 29 hours and 17 minutes. Her second mission took place from July 14 to November 18, 2012.
The Journey Ahead
Expressing a mix of excitement and nerves, Williams remained confident about flying in the new spacecraft, which she had contributed to designing. She viewed the ISS as a familiar destination, akin to returning home.
Williams, known for her spiritual practices, had planned to carry an idol of Lord Ganesh, her “good luck charm,” on this journey. She previously carried a copy of the Bhagwad Gita on her space missions. Additionally, her passion for athletics extended to space, where she completed a triathlon.
The upcoming 10-day mission aimed to validate the Starliner’s capabilities in space and demonstrate readiness for long-duration missions, ultimately leading to NASA certification.
Despite the postponement, anticipation remains high for the eventual successful launch of the Boeing Starliner and the historic journey it promises for Sunita Williams and her fellow astronauts.
