(NewsNation) — The two Boeing Starliner astronauts are in the 37th day of what was supposed to be eight days in orbit at the International Space Station. But one former astronaut says it’s wrong to say they’re “stuck” in orbit. That’s because space is the only place to figure out what went wrong on the Starliner service module.
“Anything they’re going to learn about it has to be learned while it’s in space attached to the space station,” said former space shuttle pilot Terry Virts.
He told “NewsNation Now” that Boeing wants to learn all it can about the helium leaks and thruster failures on the service module, but the module will burn up when it hits the Earth’s atmosphere.
“The real term to think about here is ‘certification,’” said Virts. “This is a test mission, but Boeing wants it certified – kind of like passing your final exams. You can’t graduate and go to college until you pass your final exams. So, this is kind of a final exam.”
Boeing has said that astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams could use the Starliner to return to Earth immediately if the situation demands it, but that’s not the case. And Virts agrees.
“Every capsule that we’ve ever flown has problems. There’s always something that leaks or breaks, or a computer fails, or the electric things short out. So, I don’t think this is a failure.”
Virts says Wilmore and Williams are no doubt enjoying their bonus time in orbit, as he did when his return to Earth was delayed.
“For me it was: ’I’m in space. I’m going to enjoy this time.’ I am sure that the space station astronauts are more than happy to have the Boeing astronauts there to do extra work,” he said.
“The space station has a lot of food. There’s a lot of oxygen. There’s a lot of water. So, I’m sure, in the short term, (supplies are) not a problem.”
When it is time to come home, Virts says it won’t be the long glide onto a runway like when he was piloting a space shuttle, but more like the ride he took on a Russian Soyuz capsule.
“That was more like riding a bowling ball,” he said. “There was a giant fireball. The G-levels were much higher. Landing on the ground is kind of like driving into a telephone pole. My body was all bruised. It’s an exciting ride.”