NASA is still unsure about keeping 2 astronauts at Space Station until next year

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla.—NASA is currently considering whether to extend the stay of two astronauts at the International Space Station until early next year and return their problematic Boeing capsule empty.

Instead of bringing back Boeing’s Starliner to Earth, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams may opt to take SpaceX’s next flight, which would keep them at the space station until February.

Originally, the test pilots expected a short mission duration when they launched as Starliner’s first crew. However, issues like thruster failures and helium leaks during the capsule’s journey to the space station have raised concerns about its safe return, leaving the astronauts in a state of uncertainty.

NASA officials are reviewing additional data before making a decision by the end of next week or the beginning of the following week. The thrusters are vital for maintaining the capsule’s correct position for reentry.

“We have some time before Starliner’s return, and we want to use it wisely,” stated Ken Bowersox, NASA’s space operations mission chief.

NASA’s safety chief, Russ DeLoach, emphasized the need for more information before reaching a decision, stating, “We don’t have enough insight and data to make a simple, straightforward calculation.”

DeLoach stated that NASA values diverse viewpoints to prevent mishaps like those seen in the past with the Challenger and Columbia shuttle disasters, where dissenting opinions were disregarded.

“This approach might sometimes result in slower progress as we make sure all information is considered fully, which is evident in this situation,” he explained.

Transitioning to SpaceX would require displacing two of the four astronauts slated for the upcoming ferry flight in late September. Wilmore and Williams would occupy the empty seats in SpaceX’s Dragon capsule following the completion of its half-year mission.

Another challenge arises from the limited U.S. capsule parking spots at the space station, necessitating Boeing’s departure before SpaceX’s Dragon arrives to open up a slot.

Boeing maintains its confidence in Starliner’s capability to safely bring astronauts back home. The company recently listed the extensive thruster tests conducted both in space and on the ground since liftoff earlier this month.

If possible, NASA intends to retain SpaceX’s current crew until their replacements arrive, except in cases of emergency. The current crew was initially scheduled to return to Earth this month but had their mission extended by seven months due to uncertainties surrounding Starliner, keeping them in space until September’s end. Most space station missions last six months, with some lasting a full year.

Wilmore and Williams, both retired Navy captains with past space station experience, quickly adapted to station activities upon arrival, assisting with experiments and repairs.

NASA chief astronaut Joe Acaba affirmed their dedication, stating, “They are committed to fulfilling their duties as astronauts.”

He added, “As Butch and Suni acknowledged before their launch, this mission, being a test flight, may not proceed flawlessly.”

NASA engaged SpaceX and Boeing to provide astronaut transport to and from the space station after the retirement of the shuttles in 2011 to ensure competition and backup options.

While SpaceX conducted its first astronaut flight in 2020, Boeing encountered significant challenges during its uncrewed test flight in 2019, necessitating a second attempt. Additional issues arose, resulting in over $1 billion in costs for resolution before successfully flying astronauts.

By Marcia Dunn