We’ll Fly on it Again: Sunita Williams, Butch Wilmore on Boeing’s Starliner
After an extended mission, NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry “Butch” Wilmore addressed the media for the first time, sharing their thoughts on their experience with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. The duo’s candid comments have left many wondering if they would fly on the spacecraft again. The answer was a resounding “yes”.
“We’ll fix it, make it work,” Wilmore stated confidently. “The spacecraft is really capable. There were…things that need to be fixed…but it’s…a great spacecraft,” Williams added. These statements are a testament to the dedication of the NASA team and their confidence in the Starliner’s potential.
The Starliner spacecraft, developed by Boeing, is a crucial component of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, aimed at providing safe and reliable transportation to the International Space Station (ISS). The spacecraft made its maiden voyage in December 2019, but the mission was cut short due to a series of technical issues. The spacecraft missed its planned orbit and had to perform an unplanned re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere.
Despite the setbacks, the NASA team has been working tirelessly to identify and rectify the issues. The recent mission, which saw Williams and Wilmore on board, was a significant step forward in the Starliner’s development. The spacecraft successfully launched into orbit, docked with the ISS, and returned to Earth.
During the press conference, Williams and Wilmore shared their experiences and insights on the Starliner’s performance. They highlighted the spacecraft’s capabilities, such as its ability to withstand the harsh conditions of space and its comfort features for astronauts. However, they also acknowledged the areas that need improvement, including the issues with the spacecraft’s propulsion system and communication systems.
“We’ve learned a lot from this mission, and we’re already working on the next steps to make the Starliner even better,” Williams said. “We’re committed to making this program a success, and we’re confident that with the right fixes, the Starliner will be a game-changer for space travel.”
Wilmore echoed Williams’ sentiments, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and teamwork. “We’re not going to give up on this program. We’re going to keep pushing forward, and we’re going to make it work.”
The NASA astronauts’ endorsements of the Starliner come as a significant boost to Boeing, which has faced criticism and scrutiny over the spacecraft’s performance. The company has faced delays and cost overruns, which have raised concerns about the program’s viability.
However, with the Starliner’s capabilities and the dedication of the NASA team, there is hope for a brighter future. The spacecraft has the potential to revolutionize space travel, providing a safe and reliable means of transportation to the ISS and beyond.
As Williams and Wilmore return to their duties, they will be working closely with the NASA team to identify and address the issues that arose during the mission. The Starliner will undergo further testing and refinement, with the goal of making it a viable option for future missions.
In the words of Wilmore, “We’ll fix it, make it work.” With the Starliner, Boeing, and NASA working together, the future of space travel looks brighter than ever.
