Amid unexpected technical difficulties, two astronauts are facing the prospect of an unexpected extended mission on the International Space Station (ISS).
Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams could be stranded on the ISS until 2025 due to technical failures on their Boeing Starliner spacecraft, Fortune reported.
Launched on June 5, 2024, by a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral, the mission initially aimed to span just over a week. However, issues such as a helium leak and thruster malfunctions have prevented the Starliner from returning as scheduled.
Currently, Wilmore and Williams have been living on the ISS since June under what was supposed to be short-term circumstances. The major concern, a helium leak in the Starliner, has posed significant challenges to their safe return. Alongside thruster issues, these technical problems have prompted NASA to consider alternative methods of bringing the astronauts home.
Among the possible alternatives discussed has been the use of a docked SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. Another Dragon spacecraft is scheduled to arrive in September, adding more potential plans to the table. However, not everything is as straightforward as it seems.
The Starliner's custom-designed spacesuits are incompatible with the Dragon spacecraft systems. This compatibility issue is significant because suits play a crucial role in ensuring astronaut safety during re-entry and landing. Swapna Krishna, in her video on the subject, noted the complexities this posed, not the least of which are related to seat configurations and safety protocols.
The compatibility issues present logistical challenges, such as deciding whether to adapt the existing Dragon spacecraft or to wait for new suits that the planned September Dragon mission could deliver. NASA and international partners are under pressure to devise a plan that ensures both the immediate safety of the astronauts and the continued utility of equipment in space.
The additional costs incurred by the delay and technical challenges on the Boeing Starliner have been substantial. Boeing has reported absorbing approximately $1.6 billion related to these setbacks. This scenario not only affects budgets but also timelines and resource allocations across NASA’s commercial crew program, which relies heavily on private-sector partnerships for these types of missions.
As the space agency navigates these complications, they also face the operational challenge of potentially needing to bring the unmanned Starliner back to Earth. Such a maneuver would free up the necessary docking space for the incoming Dragon spacecraft and allow engineers to inspect and repair the Starliner on Earth.
The impact of these technical and logistical challenges extends beyond just financials and operational planning. Astronauts Wilmore and Williams now face the possibility of their short stint in space lasting until the regular rotation in February 2025. Both astronauts have experience with extended missions, yet the real toll is personal.
Wilmore’s wife, who spoke to CBS, said that the prolonged mission means they may miss significant family milestones. She expressed her concerns about the psychological and emotional impact of such an extended and uncertain stay in space.
Despite the setbacks faced by the Boeing Starliner, the safety and well-being of the crew remains the foremost priority. NASA continues to explore all possible avenues to ensure a safe return for Wilmore and Williams, exploring every avenue including the next steps in space suit technology and adaptation strategies. As this unfolds, the space community watches closely, hopeful for a resolution that brings the astronauts home safely and soon.
