NASA’s New Boss Blasts Boeing and the Space Agency for Starliner’s Botched Flight
NASA’s new boss, Bill Nelson, is not holding back when it comes to expressing his disappointment with Boeing and the space agency for the botched flight of the Starliner spacecraft. The Starliner, designed and built by Boeing, was supposed to take two astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) but encountered major issues during its test flight on December 20, 2019.
The Starliner was launched on an Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida, and was expected to dock with the ISS within 24 hours. However, due to a software glitch, the spacecraft missed its intended orbit and was unable to reach the ISS. This resulted in the two astronauts, who were supposed to spend six months on the ISS, being stuck in orbit for only 48 hours before returning to Earth.
This failure has not gone unnoticed by NASA’s new administrator, Bill Nelson. In an interview with CNN, Nelson expressed his frustration with Boeing’s handling of the mission. “Boeing has a lot of explaining to do,” he said. “This was a serious issue that could have resulted in a catastrophic outcome. We have to make sure that this doesn’t happen again.”
Nelson, a former astronaut himself, knows firsthand the risks involved in space travel and the importance of ensuring the safety of astronauts. He has made it clear that he expects Boeing and the space agency to be held accountable for the failure of the Starliner mission. “We have to hold our contractors’ feet to the fire,” he stated. “We have to make sure that they are meeting the standards that we set.”
Boeing, on the other hand, has acknowledged the software error and has taken responsibility for the failed mission. The company has also stated that they are working closely with NASA to determine the root cause of the issue and to fix it before the next launch of the Starliner. They have also assured that they will not cut any corners in the process and will prioritize safety above all else.
Despite the setback, Nelson remains optimistic about the future of space travel and NASA’s partnership with Boeing. “We have a long history of working together, and we will continue to do so,” he said. “But we have to make sure that we are doing it in a safe and reliable manner.”
This sentiment is shared by the astronauts who were on board the Starliner during its test flight. In a joint statement, they expressed their confidence in NASA and their trust in the agency’s ability to ensure their safety. “We have full confidence in the team at NASA and Boeing to resolve the issues and ensure a successful mission in the future,” they said.
The failure of the Starliner mission serves as a reminder of the risks involved in space exploration and the importance of thorough testing and safety protocols. But it also highlights the resilience and determination of the teams at NASA and Boeing to continue pushing the boundaries of space travel.
As NASA’s new boss, Bill Nelson’s strong stance on accountability and safety sets a positive tone for the future of the agency and its partnerships. With his leadership, we can expect even greater advancements and achievements in the world of space exploration. As we look towards the next launch of the Starliner, let us remain hopeful and support the efforts of NASA and its partners in their quest to reach new frontiers.
