NASA is set to make a crucial decision at the end of this month regarding the return of two astronauts who have been stranded at the International Space Station (ISS) for over two months. Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams were originally scheduled to return to Earth after a brief mission, but technical difficulties with their spacecraft have extended their stay in orbit.
Wilmore and Williams launched aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft in early June, with the mission initially planned to last just over a week. However, unforeseen issues arose with the spacecraft en route to the ISS, leading to an extended stay in space.
As of Wednesday, NASA officials have reported that engineers and technical experts are meticulously analyzing weeks of data from various tests to determine the safest and most effective way to bring the astronauts back home. Ken Bowersox, associate administrator of NASA’s Space Operations Mission Directorate, indicated that the review process is nearing completion. A formal evaluation of the situation is expected to occur around the end of next week or the beginning of the following week.
NASA faces a critical decision: whether to return Wilmore and Williams aboard the malfunctioning Starliner or to use one of SpaceX’s Dragon capsules for their journey back to Earth. The return method will hinge on the results of ongoing analyses and reviews of the spacecraft’s performance and reliability.
The mission involving Wilmore and Williams was intended to serve as the first crewed test flight for Boeing’s Starliner capsule. This mission was a pivotal test meant to demonstrate the spacecraft’s readiness for regular crewed flights to and from the ISS. Successful completion of this test was crucial for Boeing to receive certification for future missions.
However, the mission encountered significant issues. Five of Starliner’s thrusters malfunctioned as the spacecraft approached the ISS in June, which delayed the docking process. Additionally, a helium leak was detected in the spacecraft’s propulsion system during the flight. Although mission managers were aware of the helium leak before the launch, they had assessed it as unlikely to jeopardize the mission or the safety of the astronauts.
As NASA evaluates its options, the priority remains the safety and well-being of the astronauts. The agency is committed to ensuring that the chosen method for their return will be the most secure and efficient. The outcome of the ongoing review will determine whether the Starliner spacecraft can be repaired for the return journey or if an alternative, such as the SpaceX Dragon capsule, will be utilized.
