The return of astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore from the International Space Station (ISS) aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft is facing significant delays due to a series of technical issues. NASA, the space agency responsible for the mission, is currently grappling with a range of decisions, including the date of Starliner’s return, whether to bring the spacecraft back uncrewed, and potentially using a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft for the astronauts’ return.
Ken Bowersox, associate administrator of NASA’s Space Operations Mission Directorate, stated that a decision needs to be made by the end of August, if not sooner. While acknowledging the astronauts’ desire for a definitive timeline, Bowersox emphasized the need for flexibility, stating that Sunita and Butch are adapting well to their extended stay on the ISS.
The Starliner saga began on June 5th when Williams and Wilmore launched aboard the spacecraft, reaching the ISS the following day. The planned mid-June return was disrupted by the discovery of several problems with the Starliner capsule, including propulsion system issues, helium leaks, and thruster malfunctions.
NASA officials are exploring various options for the astronauts’ return. While prioritizing bringing Sunita and Butch back on the Starliner, they are also considering using a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft if the Starliner is deemed unfit for a crewed return.
Joel Montalbano, deputy associate administrator of NASA’s Space Operations Mission Directorate, explained that the astronauts were prepared for potential complications before their launch, recognizing the inherent risks of human spaceflights. If Sunita and Butch remain on the ISS, they could stay in orbit for approximately eight months. However, if they return on a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, their return would be anticipated by February 2025.
In the event of a decision to not use the Starliner for the return, SpaceX could potentially launch NASA’s scheduled Crew-9 mission to the ISS with two astronauts instead of the usual four, allowing the Crew Dragon capsule to return to Earth with Wilmore and Williams in February 2025.
NASA officials clarified that a potential change in mission plans, resulting in the crew returning on a different vehicle than the Starliner, would not necessarily be classified as a mishap. However, a mishap could still occur later if unforeseen events arise during the Starliner’s return.
The primary concern for NASA lies in ensuring a successful deorbit burn and the proper functioning of the propulsion system during the return journey. The problems with Starliner’s propulsion system, which is part of the spacecraft’s service module, are centered around its ability to move the capsule away from the ISS and position it for re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere. The overheating of thrusters and helium leaks, seemingly related to the frequency of thruster use, have contributed to the ongoing challenges.
In a further twist, Joel Montalbano revealed that the astronauts could potentially return unsuited in the event of an emergency, with the Crew-8 Dragon. Additional SpaceX flight suits would be transported to the ISS on the Crew-9 Dragon mission for their planned return.
While acknowledging the unsuitability of interchanging Boeing and SpaceX flight suits, Montalbano confirmed that the astronauts would be able to return unsuited in a SpaceX Dragon if necessary. Once Crew-9 arrives, they would then have the appropriate suits for their return journey.
