Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore. Photo credit: Business Today
NASA has announced that astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are safe aboard the International Space Station (ISS), despite delays in their return due to technical problems with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft. The agency assured that there is no immediate risk or need for urgent evacuation.
Williams and Wilmore launched on June 5, 2024, with the mission expected to last about a week. However, technical issues with the Starliner have extended their stay indefinitely. NASA reported that the spacecraft encountered thruster failures and helium leaks, which have raised concerns about its ability to return safely to Earth.
NASA and Boeing are investigating the issues with the thrusters and propulsion system. According to NASA, the astronauts are continuing their work with the Expedition 71 crew, engaging in scientific research and maintenance tasks aboard the ISS. The extra time will allow NASA to fully understand the technical problems before making a decision on their return.
NASA aims to make a decision on the Starliner's return by the end of August 2024. Ken Bowersox from NASA’s Space Operations Mission Directorate indicated that a decision will be needed by late August at the latest.
Concerns have been raised about the safety of reentering Earth using the Starliner. Rudy Ridolfi, a former US Army Space Commander, highlighted three potential risks: a too steep reentry angle could cause the spacecraft to burn up, a too shallow angle might result in the spacecraft bouncing off the atmosphere, and additional thruster failures could leave the astronauts stranded in space. Ridolfi suggested considering SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule as a safer alternative for the return.
If the Starliner is deemed unsafe, Williams and Wilmore could remain on the ISS until February 2025. NASA would adjust its SpaceX Crew-9 mission to bring them back as part of that mission early next year. The astronauts are prepared for an extended stay, with the ISS stocked with supplies and regular resupply missions planned.
NASA continues to evaluate all options to ensure the safe return of the astronauts. Although technical issues have delayed their return, they remain safe and continue their important work on the ISS.
