NASA acknowledged on Wednesday that there was “tension” during discussions with Boeing executives regarding the safe return of two astronauts stranded on the International Space Station (ISS). However, the agency denied reports of heated arguments and shouting matches between the two parties.
The U.S. space agency has enlisted SpaceX to assist in the astronauts’ return due to ongoing safety concerns with Boeing’s Starliner capsule. The spacecraft experienced thruster malfunctions and helium leaks on its journey to the ISS, prompting NASA to reconsider using it for the astronauts’ return.
Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who launched in June for what was initially planned as a weeklong mission, now face an extended stay until February 2025, when the SpaceX Crew-9 mission is expected to bring them home.
Despite Boeing’s public confidence in the Starliner, the company’s executives have been notably absent from recent NASA press briefings, fueling speculation of discord between the two organizations. Reports from the New York Post suggested that meetings between NASA and Boeing often escalated into yelling and arguments.
Steve Stich, program manager for NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, addressed the claims, stating that while the discussions were tense, they were not hostile. “Anytime you’re in a meeting of this magnitude where decisions like this are being made, there is some tension,” Stich said.
He further explained that Boeing stood by its model, which predicted the thruster degradation for the remainder of the flight. However, NASA’s team expressed discomfort with the uncertainty of the modeling. “I wouldn’t say it was a yelling, screaming kind of meeting,” Stich clarified. “It was a tense technical discussion where both sides were intently reviewing the data.”
Astronauts remain in good spirits
Despite their prolonged stay, Wilmore and Williams remain in good spirits, regularly communicating with their families. NASA officials also confirmed that the astronauts are no longer reliant on borrowed clothing, as better-fitting suits were sent during a recent resupply mission.
Starliner set for departure
Boeing’s Starliner is scheduled to depart the ISS on Friday evening, U.S. Eastern Time. The spacecraft will execute a parachute and airbag-assisted landing in the western United States early Saturday morning.
Upon undocking, Starliner will perform a “breakout burn” with its thrusters to ensure it safely distances itself from the research station before continuing its journey back to Earth. NASA opted against a crewed return, deeming the risk of collision too high without astronauts on board to manually control the spacecraft if necessary.
Had the mission been crewed, Starliner would have flown closer to the ISS to capture exterior views. However, due to safety concerns, this maneuver was deemed too risky for an automated flight
