Should NASA Require Boeing to Repeat the Starliner Test Flight to Make Up for the Error?

Recent events surrounding the Starliner spacecraft have brought about a debate about whether Boeing should be required to repeat the test flight to ensure the integrity of their mission. The decision involves various perspectives, including cost-effectiveness, safety, and public interest. This article delves into these aspects to provide a comprehensive view of the situation.

Boeing’s Perspective

Boeing is primarily concerned with optimizing resources and ensuring a successful outcome. Should another simulation be performed without incurring additional costs for a booster, this would save the company approximately 29 million dollars. As Boeing's VP, Kate Tsenhart, argues, a comprehensive software simulation could provide the same insights as a physical flight without the need for an additional launch. This approach could be seen as a more efficient method to validate the software and hardware integration.

Public and Astronauts’ Perspective

From a public and astronaut standpoint, the emphasis is on the reliability and safety of the software. The public and astronauts demand the highest standards of safety, especially when it involves human missions. Software testing is critical to ensure it can handle unforeseen circumstances. As former NASA engineer JPL mentioned, the objective of flight testing is not only to validate routine operations but also to identify potential outliers that could compromise the mission.

Mission Uncertainty and Repeated Testing

The Starliner mission faced several issues, including a timer malfunction and an automated flight control failure. These errors pose significant risks to the successful docking and undocking with the International Space Station (ISS). As a mission-critical event, each component must operate flawlessly to avoid mission failure. SpaceX's own history with rocket malfunctions and launch pad fires raises concerns about the reliability of space missions. The Starliner test flight should be seen as a crucial step in ensuring safety and reliability, even if the spacecraft can technically achieve orbit and de-orbit.

The Role of Simulation in Validation

A detailed simulation can provide valuable insights into the software's performance under various conditions, including those that may not be predicted during development. This approach aligns with the idea of flying to Disneyland, where the primary goal is not just to achieve the initial flight but to ensure the entire journey is safe and successful. By conducting a thorough simulation, Boeing can focus on identifying and resolving potential issues before a critical live mission.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In conclusion, Boeing should consider repeating the test flight at their own expense. While the mission can technically achieve orbit and de-orbit, the broader concerns encompassing safety and mission success warrant further verification. A simulation can provide the necessary insights without the high cost and risk associated with an additional live flight. However, the final decision should prioritize safety and reliability to ensure the success of future space missions and the safety of astronauts.