Why ISRO astronaut's maiden space flight may be delayed
What's the story
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's first space flight as an Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) astronaut may be delayed due to a scheduling conflict between NASA and SpaceX.
The conflict stems from the requirement to bring back astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Willmore from the International Space Station (ISS).
Shukla is supposed to go to space on a SpaceX vehicle which may get assigned to rescue Williams and Wilmore instead.
Technical issues
SpaceX's technical difficulties delay astronaut return
SpaceX, under Elon Musk, had originally intended to return Williams and Willmore on the Crew-10 mission aboard a new Dragon spacecraft.
However, battery problems with this newly christened spacecraft have resulted in delays.
These technical issues have delayed Williams's return from February to March. Now, there are fears that the SpaceX Dragon may not be ready to fly until April.
Contingency plans
NASA considers alternative measures amid delays
In light of the delays, NASA is considering using the Dragon spacecraft assigned to Axiom Space.
This spacecraft was originally meant to take four private astronauts, including Shukla, to the ISS.
If this plan goes through, it could delay the Axiom-4 mission, which is scheduled to launch in spring this year.
Mission changes
Dragon spacecraft's previous and potential future missions
The Dragon spacecraft, which will be piloted by Shukla, had earlier flown the Crew-7 mission.
Now, it could be reused to launch Crew-10 and return the Crew-9 astronauts, including Williams and Willmore.
If everything goes according to plan, the two stranded astronauts could return as soon as March 19, reports suggest.
Astronaut update
Stranded astronauts' extended stay and health status
Williams and Willmore, both retired Navy captains, had originally planned to remain at the ISS for just a week when they arrived last June.
However, as their intended return vehicle, Boeing's Starliner capsule, faced issues, NASA decided to send it back empty. This left the two astronauts in orbit until SpaceX can arrange their return.
Despite the long stay and recent five-hour-long spacewalk, both remain healthy.