NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry ‘Butch’ Wilmore embarked on a mission to the International Space Station on June 5th, anticipating an eight-day stay before returning to Earth. However, a malfunctioning Boeing Starliner spacecraft has left them stranded, facing a potential eight-month stay in space with a possible return in 2025. This unexpected turn of events means they’ll miss important celebrations like summer, Christmas, and New Year’s with their loved ones.
The 58-year-old Williams and 61-year-old Wilmore left aboard the Starliner, which encountered problems before the planned return journey, leaving them in limbo on the ISS. NASA officials are working diligently to find a solution, and the next course of action remains uncertain.
In a press briefing on August 7th, NASA officials confirmed that no definitive decision has been made regarding their return. Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, stated that their primary goal is to bring Williams and Wilmore back on the Starliner. However, recognizing the complexity of the situation, they have prepared alternative plans.
One option under consideration involves attaching Williams and Wilmore to a SpaceX Crew Dragon mission scheduled to return to Earth in February 2025. This plan would require adjustments to the Crew-9 mission, which is set to launch on August 18th, carrying four astronauts to the ISS. To accommodate the stranded astronauts, the mission would be modified to transport only two astronauts from Earth. The Starliner spacecraft would then be guided back to Earth unmanned, controlled by computers.
This scenario would significantly extend Williams and Wilmore’s space journey to over eight months, a far cry from their initial eight-day mission. NASA officials anticipate making a final decision within a week or more. Ken Bowersox, NASA’s director of space operations, acknowledged that the likelihood of an uncrewed return of the Starliner has increased, prompting them to scrutinize this option to ensure its feasibility.
The potential reliance on a SpaceX craft for their return would deal a blow to Boeing, which has been striving for a successful Starliner program and securing regular missions for its capsules. Boeing has been competing with SpaceX’s Crew Dragon for years, with Crew Dragon receiving NASA mission approval since 2020.
Adding to the complex situation, a SpaceX rocket delivered extra meals, clothes, and supplies to the ISS earlier this week as Williams and Wilmore remain aboard for an extended period. The situation highlights the uncertainties and challenges inherent in space exploration, as NASA navigates this unforeseen predicament.
