Yep, seems that NASA currently has no plan for returning the Boeing Starliner capsule to Earth.  With multiple helium leaks, there is concern that the capsule may not be safe to return the two crew members to Earth, so they may be hitching a ride on another platform.  So is this where we now start saying, "if it's Boeing, it's going one way"?

https://nypost.com/2024/07/25/us-news/astronauts-stuck-in-space-for-49-days-by-malfunctioning-boeing-spacecraft-cant-return-home-for-weeks/

Once the astronauts have been repatriated by other means, can the capsule be brought home remotely?

14 minutes ago, HiFlyer said:

Once the astronauts have been repatriated by other means, can the capsule be brought home remotely?

Odd!  If it ain't safe with the astronuts onboard, how would it be steered remotely to get it to de-orbit and come down safely?

23 minutes ago, charliearon said:

Odd!  If it ain't safe with the astronuts onboard, how would it be steered remotely to get it to de-orbit and come down safely?

Hmmmmm? 

It's a matter of risk. If it's deemed possibly too chancy for live astronauts, but there's still a possibility (even if a low one) for a return of the vehicle, then why not return the crew on the more proven SpaceX vehicle then attempt to retrieve the Boeing spacecraft remotely? After all, they can't just leave it floating around up there indefinitely.

If at all possible they will want to have it back to examine at the very least

There's also the obvious. If they chance a crew return and the vehicle is destroyed, then just like after the Challenger incident, the program will be stalled for years. If the crew is returned safely and only the vehicle is destroyed during a remote return, it's a public relations black eye, but probably a lower hit to the whole program, especially if expectations are managed.

Also, Soviet craft have remotely returned to earth for decades. I would hope that US craft have at least a rudimentary capability to do the same in an emergency.

EDIT: https://www.boeing.com/features/2024/04/the-boeing-starliner-wows

Quote

 

The Starliner operates, in some ways, like self-driving cars aspire. The spacecraft’s features resemble more sophisticated versions of cruise control and hands-free driving — meaning astronauts don’t have to do anything, if they like. They can simply enjoy the ride.

Just because the Starliner can fly to and from the International Space Station without human intervention does not mean humans can’t take charge.

 

 

Edited July 26, 20241 yr by HiFlyer

20 minutes ago, HiFlyer said:

Also, Soviet craft have remotely returned to earth for decades. I would hope that US craft have at least a rudimentary capability to do the same in an emergency.

 

Far more than rudimentary. SpaceX Dragon has been transporting cargo to the ISS, remotely, for ages. Even the crew variant is capable of operating autonomously with the crew just monitoring. Northrop Grumman Cygnus has been transporting cargo to the ISS, too but that burns up in the atmosphere.  

 

NASA have just awarded SpaceX 266 million for an emergency response study. 

36 minutes ago, HiFlyer said:

If at all possible they will want to have it back to examine at the very least

 

That's why NASA claimed it's return was delayed. Because the part of the vehicle that requires investigation gets burnt up in the atmosphere. So by keeping it longer at the ISS they can continue to investigate the issues. 

 

NASA have said that the crew aren't stranded, and that in an emergency they could use Starliner to return home. 

Edited July 26, 20241 yr by martin-w

4 hours ago, martin-w said:

 

Far more than rudimentary. SpaceX Dragon has been transporting cargo to the ISS, remotely, for ages. Even the crew variant is capable of operating autonomously with the crew just monitoring. Northrop Grumman Cygnus has been transporting cargo to the ISS, too but that burns up in the atmosphere.  

 

 

Yes, but that is SpaceX, could Boeing successfully do such a thing?

Seems it's still fifty-fifty on which ship will bring the astronauts home...

https://www.wired.com/story/nasa-boeing-starliner-return-home-spacex/

Yep. I still think it's Starliner or Dragon. With the current political climate, no way Soyuz.

 

My money is still on “welcome to Kazakhstan!”🤔

4 hours ago, martin-w said:

Yep. I still think it's Starliner or Dragon. With the current political climate, no way Soyuz.

I wonder if the maritime laws concerning distressed travelers (or whatever the terminology is) cover this.   Besides,  I doubt astronauts concern themselves too much over politics.

--------

Google "maritime law distressed vessel"

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Maritime law and tradition require ships to help distressed seafarers. The International Maritime Organization's (IMO) International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea states that the master of a ship must immediately assist anyone in distress at sea. This includes recognizing distress signals such as flares, waving hands, or urgent radio messages. If the master is unable to respond, they must record the reason in their official log book. If a ship in distress needs help, it can request one or more of the responding ships that are best suited to assist. The master of the requisitioned ship is then obligated to help as quickly as possible. 

 

Hook

Edited August 4, 20241 yr by LHookins

45 minutes ago, LHookins said:

Besides,  I doubt astronauts concern themselves too much over politics.

 

Their bosses, NASA, and the people that fund them, the US Governmnt, very much do.

It won't be Soyuz. Besides, other means are feasible. SpaceX weren't asked to do an emergency response plan, for nothing.

Edited August 4, 20241 yr by martin-w

They'll get home by whichever means are available, whether it's CD or Soyuz. Americans go up and down using Soyuz all the time. Next Crew Rotation will solve that problem. Just keep sending up Progress or Cygnus resupply modules packed with the good stuff; NASA freeze dried Shrimp Cocktail and Roscosmos freeze dried Cottage Cheese. If the Astros/Cosmos have that, along with those novel cans of Beluga, Rice Pilaf and Pike in Tomato Sauce, everybody will be just fine.

Everyone's in the habit of getting ginned up about everything these days and putting some sort of Boris Badinoff spin on every little thing; it makes the people perpetuating that stuff look even more stupid and idiotic.

Edited August 4, 20241 yr by ViperPilot

1 hour ago, martin-w said:

Their bosses, NASA, and the people that fund them, the US Government, very much do.

I learned a new word a few days ago:

Kakistocracy

Hook

13 hours ago, ViperPilot said:

They'll get home by whichever means are available, whether it's CD or Soyuz

 

This wouldn't be a pre agreed routine flight though. It's not a case of "hop on this one guys."

It would be the US saying, "please Mr Putin, our spaceship is a failure, can you rescue our crew, pretty please?"

Just not going to happen.

NASA have already said that they are in the position of having Dragon as a backup. My guess is they would send Dragon up remotely (as has been done many times) and bring them home. 

If I'm wrong I'll grant you all a free, much sought after, gold cat point. 

 

 

Edited August 5, 20241 yr by martin-w