Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft recently completed its uncrewed return to Earth, prompting questions about the return plans for astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams, who were initially scheduled to return on the capsule. However, there is no cause for alarm – Wilmore and Williams are neither stranded nor in danger. Their extended stay is a planned part of their mission, and they are set to return to Earth with the next Crew Dragon crew rotation in February 2025.
The two astronauts, who originally launched aboard Starliner, will continue their stay on the orbiting International Space Station (ISS). While their eight-month mission will be longer than originally anticipated, Williams and Wilmore will not be setting a new record for the longest single spaceflight. That record is currently held by NASA astronaut Frank Rubio, who spent an impressive 371 consecutive days in space, returning to Earth on September 27, 2023.
Despite the extended stay, Williams is poised to make history. Combining this mission with her previous time in space, Williams is expected to surpass 560 total days, potentially placing her second on the list of astronauts with the most cumulative time in space.
The ISS currently has five spacecraft docked: SpaceX Dragon Endeavour (Crew-8 mission), Northrop Grumman resupply ship, Soyuz MS-25 crew ship, and Progress 88 and 89 resupply ships. These docked spacecraft act as “lifeboats” for the astronauts in case of an emergency evacuation. The upcoming Crew Dragon spacecraft is anticipated to serve as the escape vehicle for Wilmore and Williams.
The ISS is well-equipped to handle emergencies, and astronauts receive comprehensive training for various scenarios. Past incidents, such as a close encounter with space debris and a fire on the Mir space station, highlight the vital importance of emergency preparedness in the unforgiving environment of space.
NASA’s decision to return Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft to Earth without its crew was driven by uncertainties surrounding the spacecraft. The agency prioritized the safety of the astronauts, ensuring their safe return to Earth with the next scheduled Crew Dragon mission.
