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NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS) for an extended mission of 63 days, may face a further delay in their return—potentially stretching their space stay into 2025. This unprecedented situation follows issues with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, which was originally scheduled to bring them back to Earth.
During a recent news conference, NASA officials outlined a potential shift in plans, suggesting that SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft might be employed for the astronauts’ journey home. This change comes as NASA evaluates ongoing propulsion and helium leak issues with the Starliner spacecraft, which have significantly extended the mission’s duration beyond its planned timeline.
Ken Bowersox, NASA’s associate administrator for Space Operations, highlighted the evolving nature of the situation, noting that “our chances of an uncrewed Starliner return have increased a little bit based on where things have gone over the last week or two.” However, he also mentioned that ongoing analyses and discussions could lead to further changes in the return strategy.
The complications began with unexpected heat-related damage to Starliner’s thrusters, which affected the teflon seals and subsequently the flow of propellant. This issue has led to significant uncertainty within NASA regarding the safety of using Starliner for the crewed return trip.
As NASA continues to deliberate the root cause of these propulsion issues and assess the potential risks, the possibility of employing SpaceX’s Crew Dragon represents a serious alternative for ensuring the safe return of the astronauts. This scenario underscores the collaborative nature of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, which includes both Boeing and SpaceX.
Boeing maintains that Starliner is safe for the astronauts’ return, but with the mid-August deadline for a decision fast approaching, NASA is preparing for all possibilities to ensure the safety and well-being of its astronauts.
