NASA Astronauts Share Close Call During Boeing Starliner Docking with ISS

NASA astronauts recently disclosed a tense situation that unfolded during the Boeing Starliner’s docking attempt at the International Space Station. This high-stakes event almost ended in a critical failure, requiring quick thinking and decisive action from the crew.

Details of the Docking Attempt

Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams detailed the gripping moments leading up to the successful docking of the Starliner on June 5, 2024. They reported a series of malfunctions that nearly forced them to abort the mission. As the Starliner neared the ISS, Wilmore indicated they lost the first thruster. In a matter of moments, the situation grew more dire as a second thruster also became inoperable.

Under normal circumstances, the failure of multiple thrusters would prompt a standard docking protocol that includes aborting the mission. However, Wilmore noted that NASA made the crucial decision to waive certain flight rules, allowing the mission to proceed despite the complications.

Challenges During Docking

Wilmore remarked on the severity of the situation, stating, “And this is the part I’m sure you haven’t heard. We lost the fourth thruster. Now we’ve lost control of six degrees of freedom. We can’t maneuver forward. I still have control, supposedly, on all the other axes. But I’m thinking, the F-18 is a fly-by-wire. You put control into the stick, and the throttle sends the signal to the computer…” His words highlighted the critical nature of the spacecraft’s control systems and the uncertainty surrounding their functionality.

Williams, reflecting on the moment, described a strong sense of unspoken communication between the two astronauts. She expressed their mutual desire to connect with the ISS, acknowledging the precariousness of their circumstances.

“Hey, this is a very precarious situation we’re in,” Williams stated. “I think both of us overwhelmingly felt like it would be really nice to dock to that space station that’s right in front of us. We knew that Mission Control was working diligently to maintain communication and send commands. We were both thinking, what if we lose communication with the ground?”

Deciding to Proceed Against Odds

Wilmore recalled another moment during the docking process where his hopes for a safe return were waning. The prospect of failure loomed large, and doubts crept in as he processed the loss of control. “I don’t know that we can come back to Earth at that point. I don’t know if we can. Matter of fact, I’m thinking we probably can’t. So there we are, loss of 6DOF control, four aft thrusters down, and I’m visualizing orbital mechanics,” he shared.

The successful docking ultimately hinged on NASA Mission Control’s decision to take control of the spacecraft for its final approach as they managed to recover the failed thrusters. This pivotal moment shifted the momentum back in favor of the mission.

Reflecting on the Experience

Once the Starliner secured its dock with the Station, Williams remembered her sense of relief, saying, “Oh, phew, let’s just take a breather and try to understand what happened.” Their shared experience embodies the challenges and unpredictability that astronauts often encounter in space exploration.

The Journey Home

Following this intense journey, the Boeing Starliner safely returned to Earth on September 7, 2024. However, for safety reasons, it made the return trip without astronauts onboard. This decision aimed to minimize risks after the unexpected challenges faced during the mission. The astronauts completed their extended stay at the ISS, spanning nine months, and returned to Earth aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon Capsule on March 18, 2025.

Looking Ahead: Preparing for Future Missions

The experiences shared by Wilmore and Williams shed light on the complexities of human spaceflight and the rigorous preparations required for future missions. Lessons learned from this docking attempt will undoubtedly inform future protocols, improving the safety and success of upcoming space exploration endeavors.

As space agencies continue to innovate and develop new technologies, the stories of astronauts navigating near-crises contribute to a richer understanding of the risks associated with space travel. Wilmore and Williams exemplify the composure and expertise needed to overcome potential disasters while exploring the final frontier.