The capsule returns to Earth without its astronauts, decoding a failure for Boeing

Why did the Starliner capsule mission fail? “It’s mostly about the failure of Boeing, the manufacturer of Starliner”explains Nicolas Chateauneuf. Since the beginning of the program, ten years ago, the American manufacturer has accumulated technical problems, delays and additional costs. Until the first crewed flight on June 6. After a successful launch to the ISS, astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams had to face a series of problems.

Several leaks of helium, used to maneuver the capsule in space, are triggered. Five thrusters located on the service module fail. The crew manages to relight four of them and dock Starliner to the ISS. But on Earth, engineers discover that the thrusters are damaged. This would endanger the astronauts for their return flight. By decision of NASA, they will therefore return aboard the next regular SpaceX flight, in six months. A “humiliation” for Boeing, notes Nicolas Chateauneuf. NASA is not, however, giving up on Starliner. Boeing, already in difficulty with its planes, has nevertheless put “1.5 billion euros of its own money” into this project.