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That was the point of my post.

Who knew spacesuits were craft-specific, ffs?

And eff Starliner. Cut it loose and burn that beyotch to a crisp and let the ashes drown. Speaking of which - do you know they never really validated the whole NEW thermal reentry package (what used to be called the "heat shield" but is WAAY different now)? A whole 'nuther reason NOT to bring the two astronauts home on it...
Sure they did. That had previous test flights, presumably with a crap-ton of sensors onboard. I don't have any real knowledge of this tho. If I was one of these astronauts, that return burn into atmosphere would scare the crap outta me.

Know what this is?

1724299095249.png
 
So the next problem is how they're actually going to separate Starliner from the ISS to bring it back.
Remember this? https://arstechnica.com/space/2024/...the-launch-of-crew-9-due-to-starliner-issues/
"the current flight software on board Starliner cannot perform an automated undocking from the space station and entry into Earth’s atmosphere."

On the up side, they have lots of time to cobble up the code it'll take to undock...

Cheers!
 
So the next problem is how they're actually going to separate Starliner from the ISS to bring it back.
Remember this? https://arstechnica.com/space/2024/...the-launch-of-crew-9-due-to-starliner-issues/
"the current flight software on board Starliner cannot perform an automated undocking from the space station and entry into Earth’s atmosphere."

On the up side, they have lots of time to cobble up the code it'll take to undock...

Cheers!
They have all the time in the world to validate new software on earth, upload it, and get it back. In fact, I'd say there's a very good chance that there will be no problems with any of that.

This is a massive PR problem for Boeing, no matter how it ends. As much as this industry is full of engineers, physicists, other scientists, the BUSINESS of it relies on a confidence that has been lost now. It's sorta unfair, due to the incredible novelty and complexity of the issues, but since SpaceX entered the arena, a new level of competence is expected. Hail to the King.
 
They have all the time in the world to validate new software on earth, upload it, and get it back. In fact, I'd say there's a very good chance that there will be no problems with any of that.

As someone who has written and worked on software in the past, you will have to excuse my reticence at your optimism. :)
 
The people at the top of NASA's decision-making tree have either flown in space before or had front-row seats to the calamitous decision NASA made in 2003 to not seek more data on the condition of Space Shuttle Columbia's left wing after the impact of a block of foam from the shuttle's fuel tank during launch. This led to the deaths of seven astronauts and the destruction of Columbia during reentry over East Texas. A similar normalization of technical problems and a culture of stifling dissent led to the loss of the Space Shuttle Challenger in 1986.

https://arstechnica.com/space/2024/...ill-boeing-ever-deliver-on-its-crew-contract/

There is a lot to digest here at this article on Ars Technica (a good site for good articles, unlike the carp on MSM). Summary:
  • Boing blew it big time. SpaceX won.
  • ISS is likely, though not certain, to be decommissioned in 2030.
  • Boeings woes means it will probably not meet it's commitment for continuing re-supply of the ISS thru 2030
  • NASA expects private enterprise to replace the ISS.
 
NASA has its focus elsewhere vs an ISS replacement, so they've been seeding some private industry efforts. The one most likely to happen is Starlab, a joint venture between Airbus and Voyager Space. It is scheduled to launch in 2028 and will be almost twice the size of the ISS. NASA gave Voyager Space around $160 Megabucks to develop the station designs..

Cheers!
 
I read an article that mentioned Boeing employees are embarrassed that SpaceX has been selected to bring the two astronauts back. It went on to say Boeing is confident that Starliner could bring them back safely, also that the public has been misinformed about their commitment to safety.

Sad the whole thing played out like this. After six billion dollars invested into this program they should take a good look at themselves and figure out why they are in this situation. I don't see a good track record with overall safety for them.
 
Starliner will return on Sep 6. Autonomous. It's a short flight until earth's gravity then pulls it down into New Mexico for a parachute landing. Well, that's all if things go well :no:

Success or failure, either outcome will be followed by a lot of handwringing. As for the two castaway's return date...

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It's amazing all the negative coverage of the booster failed landing. Too bad the media can't report on the many positive successes.

It's the way of things today. Maybe it was always this way. Any subject, politics especially, is treated this way as well. Can't entirely blame the media, I think "we as... humans... are drawn to this as well perhaps?
 
It's the way of things today. Maybe it was always this way. Any subject, politics especially, is treated this way as well. Can't entirely blame the media, I think "we as... humans... are drawn to this as well perhaps?
You're partial right. Politics have certainly made it more noticeable. I do blame the media though.

I'm hoping the Starliner comes home safely, even though it'll be without her crew.

Can't wait to see Starship booster caught be the chopsticks. We're living in great times!
 
I don't think there was that much coverage of SpaceX's recent tribulations, negative or otherwise. Frankly I think the public and press have become fairly jaded about rocket launches as the result of SpaceX profoundly successful record, so anything out of band is given some notice in the media, but not hardly shouted from rooftops...

Cheers!
 
Too bad the media can't report on the many positive successes.
Negativity bias. It's baked into the human condition based on a million years of evolution and survival. For example, if Gombo eats a plant and instantly dies, you (Gubgub) will never forget that plant will kill you. That thought is front and cerebral center. Because, you want to live. Sure, our media could evolve a little quicker, but maybe not LOL.
 
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