NASA considers SpaceX for astronaut return amid Boeing delays
Astronaut return via SpaceX likely due to Boeing Starliner issues
NASA announced on Wednesday that the fate of astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams at the International Space Station (ISS) remains undecided, with a potential extension “until early next year.” Instead of returning to Earth aboard Boeing’s troubled Starliner capsule, Wilmore and Williams might catch a ride on SpaceX’s next mission, prolonging their stay at the ISS until February 2025. Last week, NASA confirmed collaboration with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to plan the astronauts’ return, should the Boeing spacecraft be deemed unsuitable.
The test pilots initially expected a brief one-week mission when they launched as the first crew aboard Boeing’s Starliner. However, several setbacks, including thruster malfunctions and helium leaks, occurred after their early June launch from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. In recent weeks, astronauts have been conducting additional tests in space to address these issues, which couldn’t be performed on Earth.
NASA officials are reviewing more data before making a decision, expected by the end of next week or the beginning of the following week. These thrusters are crucial for maintaining the capsule’s orientation during its descent from orbit. Ken Bowersox, NASA’s space operations mission chief, stated, “We’ve got time available before we bring Starliner home and we want to use that time wisely.” NASA’s safety chief Russ DeLoach added, “We don’t have enough insight and data to make some sort of simple, black-and-white calculation.”
On Wednesday, Aug. 14 at 1pm ET, NASA leaders will provide an update on @BoeingSpace’s #Starliner Crew Flight Test, as mission managers continue to evaluate the Starliner spacecraft’s readiness.
How to listen: https://t.co/EIRix9wW1J pic.twitter.com/lPz9h3gHV5
— NASA (@NASA) August 13, 2024
Switching to SpaceX would mean displacing two of the four astronauts currently scheduled for the next ferry flight, planned for late September. Once that six-month mission concludes, Wilmore and Williams would take the vacant seats in SpaceX’s Dragon capsule.
The space station has only two docking spots available for US capsules, so Boeing’s capsule must leave before SpaceX’s Dragon arrives to clear one of the spots. Boeing maintains that Starliner can safely return the astronauts to Earth, listing thruster tests conducted in space and on the ground since the launch.
NASA prefers to keep SpaceX’s current crew aboard the space station until their replacements arrive, unless an emergency arises. Initially set to return to Earth this month, the crew’s mission was extended by a seventh month due to the uncertainty surrounding Starliner, keeping them at the station until the end of September. Typically, space station missions last six months, though some have extended to a full year.
Wilmore and Williams, both retired Navy captains, have previously spent months on the space station. Upon their arrival, they quickly adapted to station duties, assisting with experiments and repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why might NASA extend the stay of astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams at the ISS?
NASA might extend their stay due to issues with Boeing’s Starliner capsule.
What alternative plan does NASA have for bringing the astronauts back to Earth?
NASA may use SpaceX’s next mission to bring the astronauts back if Starliner is unfit.
What issues did Boeing’s Starliner encounter during its mission?
Starliner faced thruster malfunctions and helium leaks.
When is NASA expected to decide on the astronauts’ return plan?
NASA expects to decide by the end of next week or the beginning of the following week.
Why can’t SpaceX’s Dragon capsule arrive without Starliner departing first?
The ISS has only two docking spots available for US capsules.
