NASA faces a challenge as astronaut Sunita Williams’ return from the ISS is delayed. With Boeing’s Starliner grounded, her mission may extend into 2025, with SpaceX as a backup.
Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams and her fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore are currently facing an unexpected and prolonged stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
Originally set for a brief 8-day mission, the two astronauts have now been in space for over two months due to critical issues with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft, which was supposed to bring them back to Earth.
The situation has forced NASA to explore alternative methods to safely return Williams and Wilmore.
With the Boeing Starliner facing significant technical difficulties, NASA is considering the possibility of using SpaceX’s Crew Dragon as a contingency plan.
NASA is currently Explorinng Alternatives
On Wednesday, NASA announced that it is actively exploring various options to bring the stranded astronauts home.
One possibility is to extend their stay aboard the ISS until 2025, with SpaceX’s Crew Dragon being considered as a potential vehicle for their return.
Kenneth Bowersox, NASA’s Associate Administrator for Space Operations, acknowledged these concerns in a recent news conference, stressing that relying entirely on the Starliner may no longer be ideal solution.
“We have the option to bring them back on another vehicle,” Bowersox stated, emphasizing the need for a reliable backup plan.
Extended Stay Until 2025?
NASA is actively collaborating with SpaceX to prepare for a possible return of Williams and Wilmore on the Crew 9 mission.
Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, explained that NASA is working to ensure Crew Dragon is ready if needed. The Crew 9 launch, originally set for mid-August, has been postponed from September 25, 2024.
Stich detailed these plans, saying, “We have set up the Dragon for Crew 9 to have flexibility, allowing only two passengers to fly up on that flight. Then, we could return four crew members in February 2025, including Butch and Suni.”
While NASA has not yet reached a final decision, officials indicate that it could take at least a week to determine the best course of action.
The potential reliance on SpaceX for the astronauts’ return would be a significant setback for Boeing, which has struggled with technical challenges in its latest mission.
The Boeing Starliner encountered several issues upon its arrival at the ISS, including leaks in its propulsion system and thrusters that shut down unexpectedly.
Stich reiterated that the primary goal remains to bring Williams and Wilmore back on the Starliner.
However, the agency is making necessary preparations to keep all options open.
