Stuck in Space: The How and Why Behind Astronautical Mishaps

From the premature engine shutdown of Apollo 13 to the catastrophic disasters of the Challenger and Columbia shuttle missions, even the most meticulously planned space venture can encounter unexpected results. This was the unfortunate reality faced by NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, whose months-long stay aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft will be remembered in history as an example of what can go wrong. Originally intended to last just eight days, their mission was unintentionally extended to over nine months due to a series of technical failures that not only tested the resilience of the crew but also the reliability of the equipment. 

What Happened to the Starliner 

The ordeal began in June 2024 when the Starliner spacecraft, which was headed to the International Space Station (ISS), experienced a critical failure in its reaction control system. Thrusters used to guide the spacecraft’s orientation and maneuvers failed due to overheating and other issues, compounded by a helium leak in the propulsion system. 

As the spacecraft approached the ISS, the flight software disabled the malfunctioning thrusters to prevent further damage. The crew managed to dock the Starliner with the ISS and safely enter the spacecraft, but this effectively stranded them onboard for what would become an undetermined amount of time as they waited for engineers on Earth to come up with a solution allowing them to return home. The Starliner was eventually undocked and returned to Earth without its original crew due to these safety concerns. 

Our Astronauts’ Journey Home 

While Williams and Wilmore waited on the ISS, NASA decided to collaborate with SpaceX to use their Crew Dragon capsule for the safe return of the stranded astronauts.  

Finally, on March 18, 2025, nine months after the Starliner launch, SpaceX successfully reached the ISS in a crewed mission to bring the astronauts home. The long-awaited rescue mission was successful, safely landing in the Gulf of Mexico.  

Historical Challenges of Space Exploration 

The Starliner incident is not an isolated case in the history of space exploration. Both Boeing and SpaceX have faced significant challenges and setbacks with their spacecraft. In 2019, Boeing’s first uncrewed Starliner test flight failed to reach the ISS due to a software glitch that caused the spacecraft to burn excessive fuel. This incident delayed subsequent crewed missions and raised questions about the robustness of Boeing’s software testing protocols–especially with the subsequent 2024 crewed Starliner incident.  

SpaceX, despite its successes, has also encountered its share of mishaps. In 2015, a Falcon 9 rocket disintegrated shortly after launch due to a structural failure in the second stage. Four years later, a Crew Dragon capsule exploded during a ground test, attributed to a faulty valve in the spacecraft’s propulsion system. In 2020, at least three Starship prototypes exploded or collapsed during testing. And in early 2025, SpaceX launched another Starship test flight which disintegrated during one of those many rigorous uncrewed tests. 

This most recent Starliner incident highlights both the increasing considerations for seeking commercial aerospace company collaboration with federal agencies, as well as the growing issue of technical difficulties associated with space missions. 

The Importance of Space Engineering Education 

While testing highly specialized equipment like spacecraft will come with inevitable ups and downs, the recurring theme in these incidents is the critical role of education and technical training to ensure the best chance for success. Astronauts undergo extensive training to prepare for a wide range of scenarios, from equipment malfunctions to emergency evacuations to problem-solving under pressure, maintaining composure, and working as a cohesive team. 

For engineers and mission operators, continuous education and training are equally vital. The complexity of modern spacecraft systems demands a deep understanding of a variety of engineering disciplines, including software development, materials science, and propulsion technology. Capitol Technology University offers comprehensive Astronautical and Space Engineering programs that prepare you to shape the future of space exploration through technical expertise, foundational theory understanding, innovative creativity, and safety management.  

To learn more, contact our Admissions team or request more information today! 

Edited by Erica Decker