Due to continuous technical problems with the spacecraft, astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) on June 6 aboard the Boeing Starliner, are not sure when they will be returning. Their mission, which was originally scheduled to last a week, may now last until February 2025 as NASA considers their safe return.
The main issue is the propulsion system of Starliner, which has sparked worries about safety for a crewed return trip. “We really should be making a call, if not sooner,” NASA officials said, hinting that a decision about the astronauts’ fate will likely be made by the end of August.
The idea of sending Starliner back to Earth without any crew members is being considered. This would mean that NASA would have to change the crew size on its SpaceX Crew-9 mission, which is slated for late September, from four to two astronauts. This would enable Williams and Wilmore to board Crew-9 again early in the following year.
Assigning the astronauts’ return to Boeing’s competitor SpaceX would be a major blow to the former. According to a story on the subject, “NASA officials stated at a press conference that they have reached a point where, in the last week of August, “we really should be making a call, if not sooner”.”
NASA guarantees that the astronauts are safe and well-supplied on the International Space Station (ISS) despite the prolonged stay and uncertainty. “The International Space Station is “well-stocked with everything the crew needs, including food, water, clothing, and oxygen,” said the space agency. Adequate provisions have been guaranteed by recent resupply missions from Northrop Grumman and Progress, and more SpaceX missions are scheduled for the rest of the year.
NASA’s Associate Administrator for Space Operations, Kathy Lueders, acknowledged the astronauts’ desire for a resolution but emphasized the need to put safety first. She said, “Bowersox said the astronauts were “making the best” of their extra time aboard the ISS “but I’m sure they’re eager for a decision, just like the rest of us.”
