NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are experiencing an unexpected extended stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS) due to ongoing issues with their spacecraft, Boeing’s Starliner. Initially scheduled for an eight-day mission, the astronauts have now been in space for over two months, as the spacecraft faces significant technical difficulties.
The complications with the Starliner involve problems with its thrusters and propulsion system. NASA officials revealed on August 7 that leaks and power failures in the thrusters have complicated the situation. Despite thorough ground testing, engineers remain puzzled by the issue. Interestingly, the thrusters are performing correctly in space, adding to the complexity of the problem.
Until engineers can resolve these propulsion issues, a return flight for Williams and Wilmore on the Starliner remains uncertain. One potential solution being considered is sending the Starliner back to Earth without a crew, leaving the astronauts aboard the ISS for an extended period. “Our chances of an uncrewed Starliner return have increased a little bit based on recent developments,” admitted Ken Bowersox, NASA’s director of space operations. “We know that at some point we need to bring Butch and Suni home.”
If the Starliner returns without crew, NASA plans to send a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft to the ISS with just two astronauts on board. Williams and Wilmore could remain on the ISS until February 2025, returning with the new Crew Dragon crew. With the other four NASA astronauts on the ISS scheduled to return to Earth in September, this would leave a total of seven astronauts and cosmonauts aboard.
While their extended stay might seem problematic, the astronauts are well-supported. The ISS currently operates as a “seven-bedroom, three-bathroom ensuite,” according to former astronaut Victor Glover. The station has ample water and food supplies, and the view of Earth from space remains a captivating aspect of their experience.
Ken Kremer, founder of the space news website SpaceUpClose, noted that despite the current challenges, the astronauts are in good spirits. “Many people think they’re stranded, they’re not,” he said. Kremer also suggested that the mission’s duration should have been longer initially, given Williams and Wilmore’s previous six-month missions.
NASA continues to monitor the situation closely and is working to resolve the issues with the Starliner, aiming to ensure a safe return for the astronauts.