The Future of Supplies and Experiments on Starliner to the ISS: Is Cargo Dragon the Backup Plan?

Introduction to the Delayed Starliner OFT-2

The indefinitely-postponed Orbital Flight Test-2 (OFT-2) of the Boeing Starliner capsule initially aimed to carry essential supplies to the International Space Station (ISS), much like its first test flight (OFT-1) in 2019. However, things didn't go according to plan.

Missed Opportunity with Software Anomalies

During the launch of Starliner OFT-1, software anomalies prevented the capsule from correctly docking with the ISS. As a result, NASA decided to postpone the mission indefinitely. While it was originally provisioned with non-essential supplies intended for the station, the undocked payload did not reach the necessary altitude to complete its mission.

According to a NASA blog document, Starliner OFT-2 was likely similarly provisioned with an aim to test the vehicle's capability to perform critical flight operations independently. The spacecraft was scheduled to carry more than 400 pounds of NASA cargo and crew supplies to the station and return with more than 550 pounds of cargo, including reusable Nitrogen Oxygen Recharge System (NORS) tanks that provide breathable air to station crew members.

Current Status and Plans Moving Forward

With the OFT-2 test flight still on hold, NASA and Boeing are closely examining the software issues that caused the test failure. However, there is a pressing need for both supplies and experiments to continue reaching the ISS. This is where potential backup plans come into play.

The Role of SpaceX's Cargo Dragon

SpaceX's Cargo Dragon has been a reliable and essential component in delivering critical experiments and supplies to the ISS. It has often served as a backup when primary supply missions have been delayed or have encountered issues. Given the uncertainty surrounding Starliner's future missions, Cargo Dragon is likely to play an even greater role in ensuring a steady supply of essential items to the station.

Potential Integration with Crew Dragon

In addition to Cargo Dragon, there is an interesting prospect of integrating Crew Dragon with NASA’s mission to the ISS. Given that Crew Dragon is already equipped and specifically designed for crew transport, it may offer an additional capability to take some of the non-essential but critical supplies to the ISS. This dual-purpose approach could provide a more robust and reliable supply chain for the station.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

The indefinite nature of Starliner's OFT-2 flight underscores the importance of a reliable backup plan for supply missions to the ISS. With multiple mission options available, including the continued reliance on SpaceX's Cargo Dragon and the potential integration with Crew Dragon, NASA and Boeing are making strides towards ensuring a steady flow of supplies and experiments to the station.

As the space industry continues to evolve and innovate, it is clear that collaboration and redundancy will be key to the success of future missions. The ongoing efforts to address the software anomalies in Starliner and to strengthen the existing supply chain for the ISS are essential steps towards ensuring a sustainable and reliable space station operation.