NASA announced on Wednesday that the fate of astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams at the International Space Station (ISS) is still uncertain, with a decision possibly being delayed until early next year, according to an Associated Press report.
Instead of returning to Earth on Boeing’s problematic Starliner capsule, Wilmore and Williams might extend their stay at the ISS by catching a ride on SpaceX’s next mission. This could keep them at the ISS until February 2025. Last week, NASA revealed it is working with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to ensure the astronauts’ safe return if the Boeing spacecraft is deemed unsuitable.
Originally, the Sunita Williams expected their mission aboard Boeing’s Starliner to last only a week. However, since their launch in early June from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, the mission has faced multiple challenges, including thruster issues and helium leaks.
Recently, the astronauts have been conducting additional tests in space to address these problems—tasks that couldn’t be done on Earth.
Sunita Williams Return from Space Delayed
NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams, currently on the International Space Station (ISS), are awaiting confirmation of their return date to Earth.
NASA and Boeing are still analyzing data from ground tests of the Starliner spacecraft, which has delayed setting a return schedule for the astronauts.
Wilmore and Williams traveled to the ISS on June 5 aboard Starliner for its Crew Flight Test (CFT), originally planned to last about 10 days. However, the mission may now be extended up to eight months, potentially delaying their return until 2025.
The mission encountered a minor setback with a helium leak, but the spacecraft reached orbit without further issues. During docking, however, Starliner experienced malfunctions in five of its 28 reaction control thrusters. As a result, NASA and Boeing have extended the astronauts’ stay on the ISS indefinitely to further investigate.
A final decision on their return is expected by late August.
Also Read: Starliner Launched, Astronaut Sunita Williams Pilots ‘Calypso’ to Space
NASA’s Current Stand on Starliner Mission
NASA officials are carefully analyzing additional data before making a final decision, expected by the end of next week or the beginning of the following week. The thrusters in question are vital for keeping the capsule correctly aligned during its descent from orbit. Ken Bowersox, NASA’s head of space operations, emphasized, “We have time before bringing Starliner home, and we want to use it wisely.”
Russ DeLoach, NASA’s safety chief, mentioned, “We lack enough information to make a simple, clear-cut decision.”
If NASA opts to switch to SpaceX, it would result in the reassignment of two of the four astronauts currently scheduled for the next crewed flight, which is set for late September. After this six-month mission, astronauts Wilmore and Williams would take the available seats on SpaceX’s Dragon capsule.
Challenges with Starliner’s Return
A key challenge is that the space station has only two docking spots for US capsules, so Boeing’s Starliner must depart before SpaceX’s Dragon can dock. Boeing maintains that Starliner is fully capable of safely bringing astronauts back to Earth. Earlier this month, the company shared a detailed list of thruster tests conducted both in space and on the ground since the capsule’s launch.
NASA, however, prefers to keep SpaceX’s current crew on the station until their replacements arrive, unless an emergency situation arises. Initially scheduled to return to Earth this month, the crew’s mission has been extended by an additional month due to uncertainty surrounding Starliner.
This extension keeps them on the station until the end of September. Typically, space station missions last six months, though some have stretched to a full year.
Astronauts Wilmore and Williams, both retired Navy captains, are experienced in long-duration missions on the space station. Since their arrival, they have quickly adapted, contributing to experiments and conducting repairs.
Also Read: Astronaut Sunita Williams on Boeing Starliner’s Historic Launch
Sunita Williams Return from Space FAQs
Q.1. Why are astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams still at the ISS?
Ans. NASA is evaluating the safety of Boeing’s Starliner capsule. Due to ongoing issues, their return might be delayed until 2025.
Q.2. What challenges has Boeing’s Starliner faced during this mission?
Ans. The Starliner capsule has experienced thruster malfunctions and helium leaks, which have delayed the astronauts’ return to Earth.
Q.3. Could Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams return to Earth on a different spacecraft?
Ans. Yes, NASA is considering using SpaceX’s Dragon capsule for their return if the Starliner is deemed unsuitable.
Q.4. How long was the original mission for Wilmore and Williams supposed to last?
Ans. The original mission aboard Starliner was planned to last about 10 days but may now be extended to up to eight months.
Q.5. When will NASA make a final decision on the astronauts’ return?
Ans. NASA is expected to make a decision by late August, though the return could be delayed until early next year.
