Starliner
Posted: Wed Apr 02, 2025 6:32 pmRead an article just now where they interviewed the previously stranded astronauts Butch and Sunny about their ride on Starliner- link. And wow, it was more precarious than we ever knew- they legit didn't have full control of the craft for awhile.
It's a long interview but definitely worth reading.
Essentially, Wilmore could not fully control Starliner any longer. But simply abandoning the docking attempt was not a palatable solution. Just as the thrusters were needed to control the vehicle during the docking process, they were also necessary to position Starliner for its deorbit burn and reentry to Earth's atmosphere. So Wilmore had to contemplate whether it was riskier to approach the space station or try to fly back to Earth. Williams was worrying about the same thing.
It's a long interview but definitely worth reading.