NASA recently faced a difficult decision regarding the two stranded astronauts, Sunita “Suni” Williams and Butch Wilmore, who have been aboard the International Space Station (ISS) since June. Thanks to a series of technical issues on the Boeing _Starliner_, what began as an eight-day mission has stretched into months.
The space capsule developed thruster problems, making it unsafe for the astronauts to return as planned. NASA had to make the tough decision to send the Starliner back to Earth alone, leaving the astronauts in space.
The Initial Mission Plan
Williams and Wilmore, both seasoned test pilots, were aboard Boeing’s _Starliner_ for its much-anticipated crewed flight test. If the test flight was successful, the _Starliner_ would be approved for NASA’s Commercial Crew Program and could make regular trips into space.
But shortly after launch, technical issues arose, leaving NASA with no option but to delay their return.
Boeing’s Troubles with Starliner
The core issue lies with the malfunction of the _Starliner_ capsule’s propulsion system. While NASA and Boeing initially believed the situation could be managed, further technical setbacks ruled out using the craft to bring the astronauts back home safely.
What exactly went wrong? Well, five of the _Starliner’s_ maneuvering thrusters stalled, five helium leaks were detected, and they found a faulty propellant valve.
The SpaceX Rescue Plan
NASA is now planning to send Williams and Wilmore back to Earth aboard SpaceX’s _Crew-9 _mission. But the decision came with some hard trade-offs. Two astronauts were cut from the original _Crew-9 _to make room for Williams and Wilmore.
This mission isn’t scheduled to return until February 2025, officially turning the astronauts’ original 8-day mission into an 8-month mission.
Living On The ISS
For astronauts accustomed to extended space missions, a longer stay on the ISS isn’t necessarily catastrophic.
Both Wilmore and Williams have flown in long space missions before. According to Scott Kelly, a former NASA astronaut, the pair should be just fine. “I knew them before they were astronauts and we were all test pilots in the Navy. They’ll be able to handle it,” he said.
Why Not Just Repair the Starliner?
Repairing _Starliner_ to bring the astronauts home has been deemed too risky. The capsule’s thruster malfunction is significant enough that any attempt to use it for re-entry could endanger the astronauts.
While Boeing is committed to resolving the issues, NASA has ruled out using the _Starliner _for crewed missions until these problems are fixed.
The Starliner’s Solo Mission Home
For months, Boeing has insisted that their _Starliner_ was safe, reliable, and ready to take the astronauts home. Last week, it finally returned to Earth – but without its crew.
“She’s on her way home,” Williams reported to NASA as the _Starliner_ set off. Even though the journey was too risky for the astronauts, the_ Starliner_ landed safely in White Sands, New Mexico.
How Does This Affect Boeing?
This was an important mission for Boeing. As the Starliner’s first crewed flight, it was the final step for Boeing to get NASA’s certification that would allow them to fly routine trips in orbit.
As the spacecraft has faced technical issue after technical issue, it may need some repairs before it’s ready to go back into space.
“We Made the Right Decision”
NASA’s commercial crew program manager, Steve Stich, is happy with how the saga unfolded. “I think we made the right decision not to have Butch and Suni on board,” he said in a press conference.
“All of us feel happy about the successful landing. But then there’s a piece of us, all of us, that we wish it would have been the way we had planned it.”
Preparing for Long Stays in Space
Extended stays on the ISS aren’t new. The station is equipped with enough supplies and facilities to accommodate the astronauts for longer durations. The focus now is on keeping them healthy and mentally prepared for their prolonged mission.
In the meantime, the rescue plan is set, and Wilmore and Williams will likely return to Earth in February 2025.
