Two NASA astronauts have found themselves on an unexpectedly prolonged mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS) due to ongoing technical difficulties with their return spacecraft, Boeing’s Starliner.
Originally planned as a brief test mission, the astronauts' stay has now extended beyond 60 days, with no confirmed return date in sight.
During a press conference held on Wednesday, Ken Bowersox, the associate administrator for NASA’s Space Operations Mission Directorate, commented on the situation, stating that "we could take either path," referring to the options of either bringing the astronauts back on Starliner or considering an alternative method using SpaceX.
Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams were launched to the ISS on June 5 as part of Starliner’s first crewed test flight. However, the mission has been marred by several technical issues.
Key problems with the Starliner spacecraft include failures in the reaction control system (RCS) thrusters, which are essential for the spacecraft’s maneuverability and safe return to Earth, as well as helium leaks in the propulsion system. These issues have raised serious concerns about the capsule’s safety and reliability.
In response to these challenges, NASA is seriously considering a backup plan that would involve using a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule to bring the astronauts back to Earth. This contingency plan could potentially extend their stay in space to around eight months, with a possible return date in February 2025, as indicated in Wednesday’s briefing.
Steve Stich, who manages NASA’s commercial crew program, revealed that preparations for this backup option began in early July. "We started in early July, doing some early planning with SpaceX for some of these contingencies," Stich explained. "Then, as we got closer and got a little bit more data, we started to put a few more things in place."
The ongoing issues with Starliner have significant implications for NASA’s commercial crew program, which has emphasized the need for multiple providers for crew transportation to ensure redundancy and continuous access to the ISS. While SpaceX has successfully been transporting astronauts to and from the ISS since 2020, Boeing’s Starliner program has faced numerous setbacks and delays.
These latest complications have also added financial strain to Boeing, which recently announced a $125 million write-off due to unexpected costs associated with the Starliner program. This adds to the $1.5 billion in previous write-offs related to the program.
In light of these developments, NASA has delayed the launch of the next SpaceX Crew Dragon mission, which was originally scheduled for August 18, to no earlier than September 24. This postponement provides additional time for making decisions regarding Starliner and potential crew adjustments.
If the contingency plan is implemented, only two astronauts would be sent on the next SpaceX Crew Dragon flight instead of the usual four. Wilmore and Williams would then join the ISS crew as full members for a six-month mission, with a return on the Crew Dragon anticipated around February 2025.
During their extended mission, Wilmore and Williams have been fully integrated into the ISS crew, engaging in various scientific experiments and maintenance tasks.
Their activities have included conducting ultrasound scans to study the effects of space on human veins, working on the manufacturing of higher-quality optical fibers in microgravity, and participating in fluid physics studies to understand how liquids behave without gravity.
Additionally, they have been involved in routine maintenance duties, including some less glamorous tasks like maintaining the toilet. They also had to take emergency precautions when a defunct Russian satellite broke apart near the ISS, prompting them to prepare for a potential evacuation.
A final decision on whether to return the astronauts on Starliner or switch to the SpaceX backup plan is expected by mid-August. Until then, Wilmore and Williams will continue their extended stay aboard the ISS, contributing to ongoing research and operations in space.
NASA astronauts find themselves in an unexpected situation, stranded aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as they await a safe return to Earth. Originally planned as a short mission, their stay has been significantly extended due to technical problems with their return spacecraft, Boeing’s Starliner.
Launched to the ISS on June 5 for Starliner’s first crewed test flight, astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams have now been in space for over 60 days, far longer than initially anticipated. The mission, intended to demonstrate the capabilities of Boeing’s spacecraft, has instead highlighted several critical issues that have left the astronauts in limbo.
The most pressing problems include failures in the Starliner’s reaction control system (RCS) thrusters, essential for controlling the spacecraft's movements, and helium leaks in the propulsion system. These issues have raised serious concerns about the capsule’s ability to safely bring the crew back to Earth.
As a result, NASA is now seriously considering alternative rescue options. One such plan involves using a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule to bring the astronauts home. This backup plan could mean that Wilmore and Williams will remain aboard the ISS for up to eight months, with a potential return date around February 2025.
NASA officials, including Ken Bowersox, the associate administrator for Space Operations, have acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the astronauts’ return. In a recent press conference, Bowersox stated that the agency is weighing its options and could either proceed with the original plan to return the astronauts on Starliner or opt for the SpaceX alternative.
Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s commercial crew program, revealed that planning for this backup option began as early as July. "We started early in July, doing some early planning with SpaceX for some of these contingencies," Stich explained. The team has since gathered more data and begun implementing further preparations.
The ongoing issues with Starliner have broader implications for NASA’s commercial crew program, which has emphasized the importance of having multiple providers for crew transportation. While SpaceX has successfully been transporting astronauts since 2020, Boeing’s repeated setbacks with Starliner have caused significant delays and concerns.
Boeing, already under financial pressure, has announced an additional $125 million write-off due to the unexpected costs associated with the Starliner program. This adds to the $1.5 billion in previous write-offs, further straining the company’s resources.
In light of these developments, NASA has postponed the next SpaceX Crew Dragon mission, initially set for August 18, to no earlier than September 24. This delay gives the agency more time to make a decision regarding Starliner and to adjust its plans accordingly.
If NASA decides to proceed with the SpaceX contingency plan, Wilmore and Williams will remain on the ISS as full crew members, participating in various scientific experiments and maintenance tasks. Their extended stay will see them return to Earth around February 2025, along with the rest of the Crew Dragon mission.
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