Space Quote: The Starliner Delayed Return Continues

Posted on by onespaceman2000
Image (Credit): The Boeing Starliner approaching the International Space Station. (NASA)

“We are strategically using the extra time to clear a path for some critical station activities while completing readiness for Butch and Suni’s return on Starliner, and gaining valuable insight into the system upgrades we will want to make for post-certification missions.”

–Statement by Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, regarding delays in the return of Boeing’s Starliner capsule. The language is becoming as flowery as SpaceX’s language when something goes wrong. NASA has already nixed the June 26 return date and has yet to provide a new date.

When Will the Boeing Astronauts Return?

Posted on by onespaceman2000
Image (Credit): Boeing’s Starliner approaching the ISS. (Samantha Cristoforetti/European Space Agency)

The return of the two astronauts from the earlier Starliner mission has been bumped a few times now, with the latest return scheduled for this Saturday (June 22).

The Boeing Starliner arrived at the International Space Station with thruster problems, and then encountered further helium leaks after that, so the need for additional time to study the issue makes some sense. NASA will address the status of the mission requirements and weather conditions at a press conference tomorrow (June 18).

It took long enough to get the two astronauts to the ISS after many delays, so maybe should not surprise anyone that we have a few delays on the return.

Boeing needs good press these days, so a quick and simple mission would have been nice. Yet this would be a bad time to throw caution into the wind when they are so close to the finish line.

Podcast: A Mixed Week for Musk

Posted on by onespaceman2000
Image (Credit): Scene from a Tesla crash. (fox2detroit.com)

While things appear to be going Elon Musk’s way with his ridiculous Tesla pay package, The Wall Street Journal had another story this week that discussed his self-serving management style that should not merit reward. The article, “Elon Musk’s Boundary-Blurring Relationships With Women at SpaceX,” highlights some pretty horrible behavior for a man that then and now believes he is above the law (and all codes of decency).

If you cannot read the Journal article, you can find summaries of the story elsewhere or listen to the Wall Street Journal podcast called The Journal. The podcast is titled “Elon Musk’s Unusual Relationships With Women at SpaceX.”

It is scary that the US space program is so dependent on the behavior of this man, who has already been part of prior Wall Street Journal articles about his drug use.

We need to build greater depth in our space program, be it Blue Origin, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, Rocket Lab, or others. The dream of a stronger space program could die if we tie too much to one man.

Space Quote: Starliner a Money Pit for Boeing?

Posted on by onespaceman2000
Image (Credit): ISS view of the approaching Boeing Starliner last Thursday. (NASA)

“The Boeing Starliner is contracted to fly just six crewed missions to the International Space Station compared to 14 for the SpaceX Crew Dragon. If Boeing has any hope of earning back a return on its investment, it has to sell commercial flights of the Starliner, just as SpaceX has the Crew Dragon.”

–Editorial by Mark R. Whittington in The Hill, highlighting the issues associated with delays in getting the Boeing Spaceplane into orbit. Does this mean more tourists heading for the International Space Station (ISS)? Mr. Whittington points out the advantages of the Starliner, even if Boeing may lose some money, stating, “As good as SpaceX and its Crew Dragon are, a monopoly is never a good idea.”

Successful Launch of the CST-100 Starliner

Posted on by onespaceman2000
Image (Credit): The launch of Boeing’s Starliner earlier today from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner launched earlier today (June 5) on a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.

Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are now safe in orbit on their way to the International Space Station (ISS). They will dock at the ISS tomorrow afternoon.

Boeing’s Starliner is the second graduate from NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, which also includes SpaceX.

You can read more about the Starliner mission and upcoming events at this NASA site.

Update: The two astronauts arrived safely at the ISS safely on Thursday (June 6), though there were some issues with the Starliner’s thrusters.

Image (Credit): Logo for NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. (NASA)