The Starliner Saga: An Extended Mission

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the primary reason for the extended stay of astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore on the ISS?

  • SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft was not fully ready to bring the astronauts back.
  • NASA decided to keep them to conduct additional maintenance on the ISS.
  • The Boeing Starliner spacecraft has encountered technical issues, preventing its immediate return. (correct)
  • Their original mission was extended due to new scientific discoveries made on the ISS.

Which of the following best describes the nature of the issues experienced by the Starliner during its June 2023 flight?

  • Minor electrical glitches that posed no threat to the crew and the spacecraft.
  • Temporary thruster failures during docking and multiple helium leaks, affecting the propulsion system. (correct)
  • A total loss of communication with mission control, requiring intervention from ground-based experts.
  • Complete failure of the primary propulsion system resulting in an abort of the mission.

What is the primary alternative plan for returning the NASA astronauts to Earth?

  • Relying on a Russian Soyuz spacecraft for a collaborative effort.
  • Waiting for Boeing to fully repair the Starliner for a safe return in early 2024.
  • Utilizing SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft instead of the Starliner. (correct)
  • Using the older Space Shuttle program for a final return mission.

How does the fixed-price agreement between NASA and its contractors affect the Starliner and Crew Dragon programs?

<p>It incentivizes contractors to perform well and stay within budget, and penalizes delays and overruns. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best reflects the operational experience of SpaceX compared to Boeing in the context of the mission described?

<p>SpaceX has achieved more successful missions than Boeing, despite its shorter track record. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the major risk highlighted by the previous space shuttle program that the current dual-contractor approach aims to mitigate?

<p>The dependence on a single option for space transport leading to increased mission risk. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the financial implication for Boeing in relation to the Starliner program?

<p>It has led to losses of over $1.4 billion, raising concerns about the project's financial viability. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the current situation reveal about the space industry's current operating paradigm?

<p>It shows that the industry is adopting a system based on redundancy with multiple contractors. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What issue prompted NASA to decide that the Starliner would return uncrewed?

<p>Concerns about the safety of the Starliner (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which problem did the Starliner experience during its approach to the ISS?

<p>Helium leaks and thruster failures (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why was the Crew-9 mission ultimately modified to include only two astronauts?

<p>The docking space was occupied by the Starliner (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the new role for Wilmore and Williams while at the ISS after the decision to return the Starliner uncrewed?

<p>Full-time crew members conducting various tasks (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When did Wilmore and Williams initially launch aboard the Starliner?

<p>June 5, 2024 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the original duration of the mission planned for Wilmore and Williams aboard the Starliner?

<p>Eight days (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the astronauts expected to participate in while remaining at the ISS until 2025?

<p>Scientific experiments and spacewalks (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the expected timeframe for the SpaceX Dragon's arrival at the ISS for Crew-9?

<p>After September 24, 2024 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Starliner Issues

The Boeing Starliner spacecraft, designed to transport astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS), has encountered technical difficulties during its development and operation, leading to delays and uncertainty for missions.

Extended Space Stay

NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore had to extend their stay at the ISS due to problems with the Starliner spacecraft. They are expected to return to Earth on a SpaceX spacecraft.

Boeing's Financial Losses

Boeing has faced financial losses due to the challenges encountered with its Starliner program. The company has invested heavily in the project but has yet to achieve consistent success leading to financial repercussions.

Space Industry Dynamics

The reliance on SpaceX to potentially bring the astronauts back to Earth highlights the changing dynamics within the space industry. SpaceX has emerged as a strong competitor, while Boeing faces challenges in maintaining its position.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Fixed-Price Contracts

The use of fixed-price contracts between NASA and both Boeing and SpaceX encourages both companies to perform well and stay within budget. This incentive structure helps ensure efficient resource management and competitive outcomes.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Space Industry Redundancy

Having two independent companies, Boeing and SpaceX, working on space transportation provides redundancy and safeguards missions in case one company encounters setbacks. This strategy reduces overall risk and improves mission reliability.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Single Option Risks

The use of a single space shuttle program for NASA's missions resulted in increased risk, as demonstrated by the first shuttle accident. This event highlighted the need for backup options and alternative transportation methods to avoid relying solely on a single system.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Boeing's Challenge and Opportunity

The Starliner saga poses challenges for Boeing but also offers an opportunity to demonstrate its ability to overcome adversity and recover. This situation will test Boeing's resilience and its commitment to providing reliable space transportation services.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Starliner's Original Mission

Boeing's Starliner spacecraft was initially tasked with returning astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore to Earth from the International Space Station (ISS) after an eight-day mission.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Starliner's Technical Problems

While docked at the ISS, Starliner experienced technical issues such as helium leaks and thruster malfunctions.

Signup and view all the flashcards

NASA's Decision

NASA decided it was riskier to return the astronauts on Starliner due to the unresolved technical problems.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Astronauts' Return Plan

The astronauts will remain at the ISS until February 2025 and will return to Earth on a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Crew-9's Delay

The SpaceX Crew-9 mission was originally planned for August 18, 2024, but was delayed to September 24th due to the Starliner's presence.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Crew-9's Reduced Crew

The Crew-9 mission will only carry two astronauts instead of the original four due to the need to transport Wilmore and Williams back to earth.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Astronauts' New Role

Williams and Wilmore will become full-time crew members on the ISS, participating in duties such as spacewalks, station maintenance, and scientific experiments.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

The Starliner Saga

  • NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore are now facing an extended stay of over 8 months aboard the ISS due to issues with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft. Their return is postponed until February 2025.
  • The Starliner program has faced significant technical difficulties since 2019. Issues included temporary thruster malfunctions during docking and multiple helium leaks in the propulsion system. On June 5, 2024, the Starliner launched for an eight-day mission to test.
  • Despite problems during the June 2024 flight, the crew reached the ISS successfully. Helium leaks and thruster failures occurred during the approach and docking stages to the ISS.
  • NASA initially planned a Starliner return as early as June 14th, 2024, but delayed it due to safety concerns.
  • NASA will extend the crew's stay until February 2025 because returning them on Starliner was deemed too risky, based on lingering safety concerns.
  • NASA is using SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft to return the astronauts. Their arrival at the ISS is after September 24, 2024.
  • SpaceX's Crew-9 mission, initially scheduled for August 18th, 2024, has been delayed to make room for a smaller crew, as Starliner was returning uncrewed.
  • Boeing maintains Starliner is ready for the mission, while NASA carefully assesses the risks.
  • SpaceX has nine successful NASA missions with a test flight, while Boeing has only transported astronauts to the ISS once.
  • Boeing has incurred over $1.4 billion in losses due to the Starliner program, raising financial concerns.
  • The current situation severely impacts Boeing, as they were initially expected to be the first to transport NASA astronauts to the ISS.
  • Reliance on SpaceX signifies a shifting power dynamic within the space industry.
  • This situation presents a challenge for Boeing, but also an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to overcome difficulties.
  • Fixed-price agreements encourage both Boeing and SpaceX to stay within budget and perform well.
  • The dual approach of having both Boeing and SpaceX provides redundancy, ensuring mission continuity if one faces setbacks..
  • The use of the space shuttle program as a single option led to greater risks exemplified by early accidents, prompting the need for backup options.
  • Starliner will return to Earth in early September without its crew, and Wilmore and Williams will remain on the ISS until February 2025.
  • They will be part of the SpaceX Crew-9 mission, which initially included 4 astronauts but will comprise only two astronauts.
  • Wilmore and Williams transitioned from guests to full-time crew members.
  • Their extended stay appears to be well-received by them.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

More Like This

Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Open
Browser
Browser