Two NASA Astronauts Stuck in Space Due to Boeing Starliner Issues
Two NASA astronauts, Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, are currently stranded at the International Space Station (ISS) after technical issues arose with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft. Their eight-day mission has extended beyond two months, with the spacecraft’s ability to safely return them to Earth in question. This unexpected situation highlights the complexities and risks associated with space exploration.
Key Takeaways:
- Boeing Starliner’s technical issues: Engine thrusters malfunctioning due to leaks and power outages.
- Astronauts stranded: Williams and Wilmore are now over two months into their mission, with no immediate return flight likely.
- NASA’s solution: A SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft with two astronauts will be sent to the ISS to bring Williams and Wilmore back in February 2025.
- Impact on Crew-9 mission: The delay in the Starliner’s return has pushed back the scheduled launch of the Crew-9 mission by over a month.
- Significant cost implications: NASA may have to explore additional missions with SpaceX, increasing the cost of their space programs.
- Historical precedent: The 1991 case of Soviet cosmonaut Sergei Krikalev, spending nearly a year in space due to political upheaval, highlights the possibility for prolonged space missions.
Technical Issues Hampering Starliner’s Return
Engineers have identified multiple thrusters problems with the Starliner’s propulsion system, including leaks and some thrusters experiencing power down issues. Although the thrusters are currently functioning in space, the physics behind the malfunction remains unclear to engineers on the ground. This uncertainty is preventing a prompt return flight for the astronauts.
"While they’re up there, we have extra crew, we have extra hands, and they can do a lot more work. But they’re also using up more consumables, more supplies. At some point, we need to bring those folks home and get back to a normal crew size on the ISS," stated Ken Bowersox, NASA’s director of space operations.
NASA’s Proposed Plan for Astronauts’ Return
In the event that the Starliner cannot bring the astronauts back, NASA plans to send a four-seater SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft with two astronauts onboard. Williams and Wilmore will then remain at the ISS until February 2025 and be brought back with the Crew Dragon. This would leave a total of seven crew members, four astronauts and three Russian cosmonauts, on the ISS.
Impact of Starliner Delay on NASA Programs
The Starliner’s delay has caused the postponement of the Crew-9 mission launch to the ISS. Initially scheduled for Aug. 18, the mission’s launch has been moved by over a month. This delay, coupled with the potential need for additional missions with SpaceX, could lead to increased costs for NASA’s space programs.
A Rare Situation with Historical Precedent
While the situation of astronauts being stranded in space is infrequent, it is not unprecedented. Sergei Krikalev, a Soviet cosmonaut, experienced a similar situation in 1991 during his mission on the Mir space station.
Krikalev’s mission, initially planned to last a few months, was extended unexpectedly due to political upheaval on Earth, including the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Although uncertain about his return for an extended period, Krikalev and his colleague, Aleksandr Volkov, maintained communication with mission control and received scheduled supply deliveries.
"I heard all the stories that we were forgotten on the station. It was of course not true because every day we had communication with the ground, we had a scheduled flight to deliver everything, required experiments and data and food and water. Everything was coming to us basically on schedule," Krikalev explained to BBC.
Krikalev returned to Earth after an almost year-long stay, becoming the first Russian to fly in the Space Shuttle and one of the first crew members on the ISS.
The Importance of Continued Space Exploration
Despite the challenges faced with the Starliner mission, it’s crucial to remember the invaluable scientific and technological advancements arising from space exploration. The ISS provides a unique platform for conducting groundbreaking research in various fields. Even in the midst of technical setbacks, the determination to continue pushing the boundaries of human knowledge remains strong.
This situation emphasizes the necessity for continued innovation and collaboration in the field of space exploration. With the continued development of new technologies and the dedicated efforts of scientists and engineers, humankind can overcome challenges and ensure a future of continued progress in the celestial frontier.
