Boeing’s Starliner: Lessons from a Rocket Landing Gone Wrong – An Aerospace Analyst Weighs In
The Boeing Starliner, a crewed spacecraft designed to fly Americans to the International Space Station (ISS) on behalf of NASA, experienced a setback during its uncrewed Orbital Flight Test (OFT) in December 2019. The spacecraft, which was intended to dock with the ISS following a flawless launch and rendezvous, instead ended up landing back on Earth prematurely. In this analysis, we will explore the events leading to the early landing, discuss the implications for Boeing and NASA, and highlight potential lessons moving forward.
The Botched Landing
Timeline of Events:
| December 20, 2019: | Boeing Starliner launches successfully from Cape Canaveral aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket. |
|---|---|
| December 21, 2019: | Starliner completes rendezvous and approaches ISS for docking. |
| December 21, 2019: | A software glitch in the Starliner’s clock system triggers an early deorbit burn, prematurely ending the mission and forcing the spacecraft to land back on Earth. |
Implications for Boeing and NASA
Boeing:
This setback comes at a critical time for Boeing, which has been dealing with the fallout from two tragic 737 MAX crashes that occurred within the past year. The Starliner landing issue could further damage Boeing’s reputation and may impact their ability to secure future aerospace contracts.
NASA:
The Starliner incident is a reminder of the challenges associated with returning human spaceflight capabilities to U.S. soil. NASA’s decision to partner with Boeing and SpaceX on the Commercial Crew Program aims to reduce costs while maintaining safety and reliability standards. However, this event highlights the importance of thorough testing and strict adherence to procedures in order to ensure successful mission outcomes.
Lessons Moving Forward
Despite the setback, the Starliner incident provides valuable insights and lessons for the aerospace industry:
Thorough Testing
Extensive testing, including both simulations and in-flight trials, is crucial to ensure the reliability of new spacecraft technology.
Procedural Adherence
Strict adherence to established procedures is essential during spacecraft operations, particularly those involving critical events like rendezvous and docking with the ISS.
Collaboration and Transparency
Open communication between NASA, Boeing, and other stakeholders is vital for addressing issues and moving forward in a constructive manner.
Continuous Learning
The aerospace industry must remain committed to continuous improvement and innovation, utilizing the knowledge gained from each mission to inform future developments.
Boeing’s Starliner CST-100 Spacecraft: An Important Mission for NASA and the Commercial Space Industry
Boeing’s Starliner CST-100 is a reusable spacecraft,
designed and manufactured by Boeing
, intended to transport up to seven passengers or a mix of crew and cargo to low Earth orbit (LEO) and back. The spacecraft is part of NASA’s
Commercial Crew Program
, a public-private partnership that aims to develop and certify new crewed space transportation capabilities with domestic partners. Starliner’s mission is of great importance for both NASA and the commercial space industry.
NASA‘s Commercial Crew Program is a critical component of the agency’s strategy to maintain
human presence in space and reduce dependence on Russia for crewed access
. Starliner, along with SpaceX’s Crew Dragon, are the two commercial partners that NASA has selected to transport astronauts to and from the International Space Station (ISS) via US-built spacecraft. This will allow NASA to have more control over its crewed space transportation capabilities.
Moreover, the successful execution of the Starliner program by Boeing will significantly impact the commercial space industry.
With its entry into the market
, Boeing will join SpaceX in providing crewed transportation services and creating a competitive landscape that can drive innovation, reduce costs, and increase accessibility to space for various industries and private individuals.
The focus on the landing event in this analysis is essential due to its criticality to the overall success of a crewed mission. A controlled reentry and safe landing are prerequisites for the spacecraft’s continued use, as well as the crew’s safety. Thus, understanding the various factors that influence the landing event and assessing their impact on Boeing’s Starliner CST-100 spacecraft is crucial.
Background of the Starliner Mission (Crewed Flight Test – CFT)
This section focuses on the background of SpaceX’s Starliner Mission during its Crewed Flight Test (CFT) phase. The primary objective of this mission was to demonstrate the spacecraft’s capability to carry humans to and from the International Space Station (ISS), marking a significant step towards NASA’s Commercial Crew Program.
Description of the mission objectives and timeline
Ride to Orbit with United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V
The first stage of the mission involved launching atop a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket, which would propel the Starliner spacecraft to orbit. This was a crucial moment as it marked the first time humans would be trusting this spacecraft for their journey to the ISS.
Docking to the International Space Station (ISS) and stay for 5-7 days
Once in orbit, Starliner was expected to autonomously dock with the ISS, making contact with the Harmony module. The crew would then spend 5-7 days aboard the ISS performing various tests and experiments to ensure the spacecraft’s functionality for future manned missions.
Return journey to Earth with de-orbit, atmospheric re-entry, and landing
The final phase of the mission saw Starliner’s return journey to Earth. This included a de-orbit burn, atmospheric re-entry, and a landing at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. Successfully executing this phase would prove that Starliner was capable of safe return for astronauts.
Previous successful uncrewed test flight (Orbital Flight Test – OFT)
A significant milestone preceding the CFT was Starliner’s uncrewed Orbital Flight Test (OFT) in May 2019. This test flight verified the spacecraft’s ability to perform various orbital maneuvers, dock with the ISS, and return safely. Although there were some discrepancies during OFT that required corrections, it was overall deemed a success as Starliner accomplished all primary mission objectives with minor exceptions.
I The Landing Mishap:
Events Leading Up to It
Departure from the ISS and beginning of the return journey: The astronauts aboard the spacecraft had completed their mission at the International Space Station (ISS) and were ready to begin their journey back to Earth. After bidding farewell to their colleagues on board the ISS, they initiated the de-orbit sequence and ignited the engines for the initial boost phases.
Sequence of events during the de-orbit, re-entry, and atmospheric phase
Separation from ISS and initial boost phases:
The spacecraft separated from the ISS and began its descent towards Earth. The initial boost phases were crucial for setting the right trajectory for re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere.
Heat shield separation and thermal protection system functioning:
During this phase, the heat shield was separated from the spacecraft to protect it from the intense heat generated during re-entry. The thermal protection system functioned effectively to maintain a stable temperature within the cabin.
Entry interface, maximum heating phase, and atmospheric re-entry:
As the spacecraft entered the Earth’s atmosphere, it experienced maximum heating due to friction. The entry interface was a critical phase as the spacecraft had to maintain its orientation and stability to ensure a safe landing.
Descent profile deviation from planned trajectory
Timing of engine firing to slow down the spacecraft:
Due to unforeseen circumstances, the timing of engine firing to slow down the spacecraft deviated from the planned trajectory. This resulted in a significant change in the landing site and approach.
Effects on landing site and landing approach:
The deviation in descent profile caused challenges for the ground team in selecting and identifying the new landing site. The astronauts had to adjust their landing approach to account for the change in trajectory.
Unintended descent orientation (Nose-High attitude) during final stages of the flight
Impact on stability and control during atmospheric entry:
As the spacecraft approached the final stages of its flight, it adopted an unintended descent orientation with a nose-high attitude. This affected the stability and control during atmospheric entry, making it more challenging for the astronauts to maintain their orientation.
Challenges for landing site selection and identification:
The nose-high attitude further complicated the ground team’s efforts to select and identify a suitable landing site. They had to constantly update their calculations to account for the changing descent profile of the spacecraft.
E. Failure to detect anomalies and intervene in time
Real-time monitoring systems and data analysis:
Despite the advanced real-time monitoring systems in place, anomalies were not detected early enough to intervene and correct the deviations in the descent profile. The data analysis revealed that certain sensors had malfunctioned, leading to a lack of critical information for the ground team.
Ground team response and communication with the crew (if applicable):
The ground team worked diligently to communicate with the astronauts about the new landing site and approach. However, due to the unintended descent orientation, the crew faced significant challenges in executing a safe landing.
Impact on spacecraft design and future improvements
The
Thermal protection systems
were a significant concern, as the Starliner failed to dock due to an unplanned orbital insertion. Future improvements may include advanced thermal sensors and better modeling of atmospheric conditions for more precise temperature control.
Engine control and guidance systems
also came under scrutiny, with the mishap revealing shortcomings in engine throttling and guidance during atmospheric reentry. Enhancements may include more robust control algorithms, real-time monitoring, and better communication between engines and onboard systems.
Implications for human spaceflight safety and certification requirements
The
NASA oversight, regulation, and accountability mechanisms
will likely be strengthened to ensure that safety is prioritized in partnership with industry.
Industry collaboration and sharing of best practices
will also play a critical role, as the space industry moves towards more frequent and complex missions.
Importance of robust communication, training, and contingency planning for space crews and ground teams
The importance of
for space crews and ground teams cannot be overstated.
Spacecraft systems and protocols
must be designed to minimize human error, while crews and ground teams require thorough training to respond effectively in the event of unexpected situations.
Human factors engineering considerations
will continue to be critical, as we learn more about the psychological and physiological challenges of extended space travel.
Role of public-private partnerships in advancing space technology and exploration
The
Balancing commercial interests with safety and scientific goals
will be a key challenge as we continue to expand our presence in space.
Transparency, collaboration, and communication between stakeholders
will also be crucial to ensuring that the benefits of these partnerships are maximized while maintaining safety and scientific integrity.
| Impact on Spacecraft Design and Future Improvements | Implications for Human Spaceflight Safety and Certification Requirements | |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal Protection Systems | Advanced thermal sensors and better modeling of atmospheric conditions for precise temperature control. | Strengthened NASA oversight, regulation, and accountability mechanisms. |
| Engine Control and Guidance Systems | More robust control algorithms, real-time monitoring, better communication between engines and onboard systems. | Industry collaboration and sharing of best practices. |
| Landing Site Identification, Approach, and Descent Planning | Advanced modeling techniques and real-time data analysis. | Robust communication, training, and contingency planning for space crews and ground teams. |
Conclusion
The Starliner landing mishap in December 2019, where Boeing’s crewed spacecraft failed to dock correctly at the International Space Station (ISS), marked a significant setback for both Boeing and NASThe incident highlighted the complexities and challenges of commercial human spaceflight, underscoring the need for rigorous testing and safety protocols. With SpaceX’s Crew Dragon having successfully completed two crewed missions to the ISS earlier in 2019, this mishap has added pressure on Boeing to quickly rectify any issues and regain its competitive edge.
Impact on the Aerospace Industry
The Starliner landing mishap serves as a reminder of the risks and challenges associated with commercial human spaceflight. However, it also presents valuable opportunities for learning and growth within the industry. The incident emphasizes the importance of continuous innovation and the need to learn from past mistakes. This mindset is crucial for pushing the boundaries of human space exploration and making it more accessible to a broader audience.
Future Prospects for Boeing’s Starliner Program
Boeing’s Starliner program faces an uphill battle to recover from this mishap and regain its footing in the competitive commercial space sector. Boeing must prioritize addressing any issues identified during the mission, demonstrate progress in rectifying these concerns, and effectively communicate its plans to stakeholders. By doing so, the company can rebuild trust and regain its position as a key player in commercial human spaceflight.
NASA’s Role
NASA, as a leading agency in the space sector, has an essential role in promoting collaboration and fostering innovation. Following the Starliner mishap, NASA must continue to support both SpaceX and Boeing as they strive for commercial success in human spaceflight. By working together, these entities can learn from each other’s experiences and leverage their collective knowledge to push the boundaries of what is possible in human space exploration.
Continued Innovation and Collaboration
The Starliner landing mishap is a reminder that innovation in the space sector often comes with risks. However, it is essential to maintain a forward-thinking perspective and embrace the opportunities for learning and growth that come from these challenges. By continuing to invest in research and development, fostering collaboration between entities in the space sector, and supporting companies like Boeing and SpaceX, we can collectively advance human space exploration and make it more accessible to a broader audience.
In Conclusion
The Starliner landing mishap has added complexity to the commercial human spaceflight landscape, but it also presents valuable opportunities for learning and growth. By focusing on continuous innovation, collaboration, and addressing any challenges head-on, the space sector can overcome this setback and continue to push the boundaries of human space exploration. Boeing, NASA, and other entities must work together to create a future where commercial human spaceflight is accessible, safe, and successful for all involved.
