Technical problems with Boeing’s starliner spacecraft, which may prolong their stay until 2025, have led to NASA exploring other choices of bringing back its two astronauts from the International Space Station (ISS) who have been there since June.
Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Sunita “Suni” Williams were onboard on June 6th, piloting the initial crewed test flight of Starliner. The mission was scheduled to last for just eight days. However, the constant issues with thrusters in this spacecraft have made NASA take into account an alternate plan that will ensure their safe return.
Ken Bowersox, NASA’s associate administrator for space operations has accepted that a solution is required through a press conference on Wednesday. “We know at some point we need to bring Butch and Suni home,” Bowersox said.
NASA is considering using SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule as a backup. The plan involves sending the capsule to the ISS with two astronauts instead of four astronauts. Then Wilmore and Williams would remain on the ISS until February 2025 when they would return to earth aboard the Crew Dragon. This spaceship, designed by SpaceX, is an alternative to Boeing’s Starliner.
“We could take either path,” Bowersox noted, underscoring that the decision has yet to be finalized.
Despite the delays, both NASA and Boeing have reassured the public that the astronauts are neither “stranded” nor “stuck” in space. NASA officials have emphasized that they will bring the astronauts back when the timing is right. Boeing echoed this sentiment, with the company stating it “remains confident in the Starliner spacecraft and its ability to return safely with crew.” The company added that it is fully cooperating with NASA’s requests for further testing and analysis.
The SpaceX launch originally planned for August 18 has now been postponed to no earlier than September 24 in order for officials finalize their strategy for the return of Starliner. If the backup plan is executed, Starliner will head back home without any crew.
Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s commercial crew program, emphasized the agency’s commitment to thorough planning. “Our prime option is to return Butch and Suni on Starliner,” he said. “However, we have done the requisite planning to make sure we have other options open.”
As NASA keeps evaluating its options, whether aboard Starliner or another vehicle, the space community strongly remains concerned about ensuring safety during a safe journey back home for these two astronauts.
