Is Sunita Williams now stuck in space till Feb 2025?
NASA is contemplating alternative spacecraft options for the safe return of Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams, currently aboard International Space Station (ISS). Kenneth Bowersox, NASA's associate administrator for space operations, confirmed this during a press conference. "We don't just have to bring a crew back on Starliner for example. We can bring them back on another vehicle," he said. The astronauts were launched on Boeing's Starliner and have been in space for over two months, despite one-week mission planned initially.
Astronauts are consuming supplies intended for others
Bowersox noted that the team requires greater "consensus," but they are also increasingly serious about evaluating other options. Wilmore and Williams are integrated with the Expedition 71 crew aboard the ISS. Although having extra hands is beneficial, Bowersox mentioned that because of their extended stay, the duo is consuming more supplies intended for the ISS crew.
NASA explores SpaceX's Dragon Crew-9
Steve Stich, program manager for NASA's Commercial Crew Program, disclosed that the agency is considering using SpaceX's Dragon Crew-9. This would involve sending only two of the four astronauts initially assigned to it and equipping the spacecraft with additional spacesuits for Wilmore and Williams. However, this alternative would require the astronauts to stay on the ISS until February 2025, when Crew-9 is scheduled to return to Earth.
Starliner's technical issues delay astronaut return
The Starliner mission has encountered several technical difficulties, including an oxygen valve issue on a United Launch Alliance (ULA) rocket, a minor helium leak in the service module, and thruster problems. Despite these setbacks, both NASA and Boeing have confirmed that sufficient helium is available for the return mission. The astronauts were initially set to return on June 14 but have experienced multiple delays due to these issues with Starliner.
NASA and SpaceX collaborate on backup plan
NASA has been collaborating with SpaceX on a contingency plan since early July. The agency is still trying to fully comprehend the technical issues plaguing Starliner and expects to make a decision by mid-August. "Reasonable people could pick either path," Bowersox said, acknowledging the risks associated with both options. Boeing, on the other hand, remains confident in Starliner's capabilities and has pledged to take necessary actions for an uncrewed return if NASA alters the mission.
