NASA has reassured the public that astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are safe and working aboard the International Space Station (ISS) after their return was delayed due to technical problems with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. The astronauts launched aboard Starliner on June 5th, reaching the ISS on June 6th, but their return journey has been pushed back by months.
During Starliner’s flight to the space station, issues arose with several of the spacecraft’s thrusters, which did not function as expected. Additionally, leaks were detected in the spacecraft’s helium system. NASA officials are investigating these issues to determine the root cause and ensure the spacecraft’s safety.
NASA has stated that if a decision is made to return Starliner uncrewed, Williams and Wilmore could remain on the ISS until late February 2025. In this scenario, NASA would adjust the SpaceX Crew-9 mission, launching only two crew members instead of four in late September. Williams and Wilmore would then return to Earth after the scheduled Crew-9 mission early next year.
However, no definitive decisions have been made regarding the astronauts’ return. They could return home on Starliner, or they may be brought back on the SpaceX Crew-9 mission.
NASA has emphasized that astronauts are well-prepared for longer stays on the ISS. Williams and Wilmore have previously completed long-duration missions, and they were aware of the potential for extended stays during the test flight.
NASA is expected to make a decision on Starliner’s return by the end of August. Ken Bowersox, associate administrator of NASA’s Space Operations Mission Directorate, has stated that a call needs to be made by then, if not sooner.
