What's happened
Boeing's Starliner spacecraft is set to return to Earth uncrewed on September 7, 2024, after prolonged delays due to technical issues. NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams will remain aboard the International Space Station until February 2025, following concerns over the spacecraft's safety during their planned return.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Independent, NASA astronaut Butch Wilmore reported strange pulsing noises from the Starliner, which were later attributed to audio feedback issues rather than a safety concern. The Guardian noted that the spacecraft's return was delayed due to multiple technical problems, leading to the decision to send it back uncrewed. Business Insider highlighted that the astronauts will now return on a SpaceX vehicle, emphasizing the ongoing challenges faced by Boeing's Starliner program.
How we got here
The Starliner was launched in June 2024 for a test mission but encountered multiple technical problems, including thruster failures and helium leaks. As a result, the astronauts' return was delayed, and NASA decided it was unsafe for them to fly back on the Starliner.
Common question
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What is the mysterious noise reported from NASA's Starliner?
NASA's Starliner spacecraft has recently made headlines due to unusual noises reported by astronaut Butch Wilmore while docked at the International Space Station. These sounds have raised questions about the spacecraft's audio system and its implications for future missions. Below, we explore the current issues facing the Starliner, its upcoming return to Earth, and what this means for NASA's plans.
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What caused the strange noises in NASA's Boeing Starliner?
NASA's Boeing Starliner has been in the spotlight recently due to reports of strange noises during its mission. These sounds raised concerns about the spacecraft's reliability and safety. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind these noises, the implications for future missions, and what to expect as the Starliner prepares for its return to Earth.
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What caused the delays for Boeing's Starliner?
Boeing's Starliner spacecraft has faced significant delays due to various technical issues, raising questions about its safety and future missions. As the spacecraft prepares for an uncrewed return to Earth, many are curious about the implications for NASA and the astronauts currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
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What Went Wrong with Boeing's Starliner and What's Next for NASA?
Boeing's Starliner spacecraft has faced significant challenges, leading to delays and safety concerns. As it returns to Earth uncrewed, many are left wondering about the future of NASA's crewed missions and the implications for space travel. Here are some common questions and answers regarding the Starliner's journey and what lies ahead.
More on these topics
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Boeing Starliner is a class of reusable crew capsules expected to transport crew to the International Space Station and to private space stations such as the proposed Bigelow Aerospace Commercial Space Station.
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The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is an independent agency of the U.S. Federal Government responsible for the civilian space program, as well as aeronautics and space research.
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Barry Eugene "Butch" Wilmore is a NASA astronaut and United States Navy test pilot. He has had two spaceflights, the first of which was an 11-day Space Shuttle mission in November 2009, to the International Space Station.
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The Boeing Company is an American multinational corporation that designs, manufactures, and sells airplanes, rotorcraft, rockets, satellites, telecommunications equipment, and missiles worldwide.
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The International Space Station is a modular space station in low Earth orbit. It is a multinational collaborative project between five participating space agencies: NASA, Roscosmos, JAXA, ESA, and CSA.
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Earth is the third planet from the Sun and the only astronomical object known to harbor life. According to radiometric dating estimation and other evidence, Earth formed over 4.5 billion years ago.