NASA Yet to Determine Plan to Bring Two Trapped Astronauts Back to Earth, Reports Science & Tech News
NASA has indicated that the return of two astronauts from the International Space Station (ISS) is still pending due to faults on their spacecraft during their journey to the ISS.
During a news conference on Wednesday, the space agency mentioned that Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who were expected to spend eight days at the ISS after arriving in June, might have to extend their stay until February.
The astronauts arrived at the ISS using a Boeing Starliner spacecraft, being the first crew to utilize this craft.
Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore on the International Space Station. Pic: NASA
Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft seen from the ISS. Pic: NASA
However, the Starliner encountered thruster failures and helium leaks during the journey, casting doubts on its ability to safely bring them back to Earth, leaving the astronauts in a challenging situation in space.
The thrusters are essential for maintaining the capsule’s position for reentry into Earth’s atmosphere.
If NASA opts not to use the Starliner for the return trip, they would rely on SpaceX’s next flight, which would mean an extended stay at the ISS until February.
By then, they would have spent eight months in space.
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NASA’s space operations mission chief Ken Bowersox informed reporters that they are still evaluating data before reaching a decision, expected by the end of next week or the following week.
Bowersox stated, “We have sufficient time before Starliner needs to return, and we want to make the most of that time.”
Should NASA decide to switch to SpaceX, two of the four astronauts scheduled for the late September SpaceX flight would have to stand down.
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