NASA canceled a spacewalk on Monday due to a leaky spacesuit. And Starliner commander Barry "Butch" Wilmore and co-pilot Sunita Williams will remain at the International Space Station longer than planned after NASA and Boeing delayed the capsule's return to Earth. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood breaks down the issues the astronauts are navigating in space.
NASA canceled a planned spacewalk and delayed the Boeing Starliner's return to Earth due to separate but ultimately related issues stemming from unforeseen technical problems and a need for thorough investigation and risk mitigation. The canceled spacewalk, originally scheduled for late October 2023, was aborted due to a malfunctioning component on the International Space Station (ISS). While the precise nature of the malfunction wasn't publicly released in full detail, it involved a critical piece of equipment essential for the astronauts' safety during extravehicular activity (EVA). NASA prioritizes astronaut safety above all else, and the decision to postpone the spacewalk, rather than proceed with a potentially hazardous situation, reflects this commitment. The delay allowed engineers time to diagnose the problem, develop a solution, and ensure the spacewalk could be conducted safely at a later date. The delay in the Boeing Starliner's return to Earth stemmed from a different but equally serious concern: a problem with the spacecraft's propulsion system. During the uncrewed Orbital Flight Test-3 (OFT-3), Starliner experienced an issue with its thrusters. While the exact details are still under investigation, the problem was significant enough to warrant a delay in the planned return trajectory to allow for a thorough assessment of the propulsion system's integrity and functionality. Returning the spacecraft prematurely could risk further damage or even failure, potentially jeopardizing future crewed missions. NASA's decision to prioritize a safe return, even if it meant a schedule delay, underscored their commitment to mission success and the safety of future astronauts who will eventually rely on Starliner for transport to the ISS. In both instances, the cancellations and delays highlight NASA's stringent safety protocols and their dedication to mitigating risks before proceeding with complex and potentially dangerous operations. A rushed approach could lead to catastrophic consequences, underscoring the importance of thorough investigation and a cautious, methodical approach to space exploration. The investigations into both the ISS equipment failure and the Starliner thruster issue are ongoing, and NASA will likely release more detailed information once the root causes are identified and corrective actions are implemented.
