NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams, who were launched into
space aboard Boeing’s Starliner in June, now face an unexpected
challenge regarding their return to Earth. The spacecraft’s return
journey is still uncertain due to emerging issues with Starliner.
Surprisingly, the main concern isn’t the spacecraft’s propulsion but
problems with spacesuit connections and seating...
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#^Spacesuit Issues Might Delay The Return of Boeing Starliner AstronautsNASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams, who were launched into space aboard
Boeing’s Starliner in June, now face an unexpected challenge regarding their return to Earth. The spacecraft’s return journey is still uncertain due to
emerging issues with Starliner. Surprisingly, the main concern isn’t the spacecraft’s propulsion but problems with spacesuit connections and seating arrangements.
What’s The Problem With The Spacesuits?
The issue with the spacesuits lies in their compatibility with the spacecraft. The suits in question are “intra-vehicular activity” (IVA) suits designed for use inside the spacecraft rather than for spacewalks. These suits are simpler and less bulky than the ones used for extra-vehicular activities (EVAs). Their primary function is to protect astronauts in the event of a capsule atmosphere loss.
The problem arises if Wilmore and Williams must return to Earth aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft. The IVA suits they currently wear, tailored for Boeing’s Starliner, won’t fit properly in Dragon’s seats, creating a significant complication for their potential return journey.
The matter is that Boeing and SpaceX suits were developed with entirely different design philosophies.
SpaceX’s Sci-Fi Spacesuits
SpaceX’s sleek white and black suits resemble sci-fi movie outfits, thanks to costume designer Jose Fernandez, who initially thought the project was for a film. The suits are an innovation, free from traditional space suit designs. They zip up, are custom-fit for each astronaut, and feature integrated smart technology with a single connector for air supply, cooling, and communication.
Boeing Starliner’s Spacesuits
Boeing’s blue Starliner suits, lighter and smaller than those from the Space Shuttle era, weigh under 20 pounds — 40% less than older designs. They were created by Dave Clark’s company, which has a long history in space suit production. These suits use modern zippers instead of metal seals. They also include touchscreen-friendly gloves, reflecting 21st-century upgrades.
Chris Ferguson wears the brand new spacesuit from Boeing and David Clark. Credit: Boeing
Boeing’s spacesuits have a retro look, with metal-valve connectors and classic headsets similar to those of the Apollo astronauts.
What Are The Options For Returning Astronauts?
If an emergency forces Butch and Suni to return to Earth before a solution is found, they might have to come back in the cargo area of a Dragon capsule without their spacesuits.
NASA officials will discuss this in a press conference next week.
Another option is to send up suitable spacesuits on a later mission if Starliner can’t bring them home safely.
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Spacesuit Issues Might Delay The Return of Boeing Starliner Astronauts appeared first on
Orbital Today.
