NASA Flight Director Ed Van Cise recently announced that a team of NASA experts is collaborating with Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner spacecraft and its crew members, astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams. The main goal of this collaboration is to make sure that the spacecraft’s systems are in top condition as it prepares to leave the International Space Station (ISS).
Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams have been on the ISS for over a month, working on various issues and glitches with the Starliner spacecraft. The NASA team is currently updating important software files that are necessary for the spacecraft’s operations. This is part of a larger effort to ensure that all systems on board are working perfectly.
In addition to software updates, adjustments are being made to the spacecraft’s systems to gather more data from test flights. These measurements will help assess the habitability and functionality of the Starliner over longer periods of time. By observing and measuring the spacecraft’s performance over an extended duration, NASA will have a better understanding of how it behaves in space, which is crucial for planning future missions that could last up to six months.
The work being done now is laying the foundation for future long-term missions, making sure that both the spacecraft and the crew are well-prepared for extended stays in space. NASA will be holding a press conference soon to update the public on the potential return plans for the two astronauts. Currently, Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams are involved in various scientific research projects on the ISS.
In conclusion, the collaboration between NASA and Boeing on the Starliner spacecraft is crucial for ensuring a safe return for the astronauts and collecting valuable data for future missions. The hard work and dedication of the team onboard the ISS are paving the way for longer missions in space, advancing our understanding of living and working in the cosmos.