Two Astronauts Stranded on ISS for Two Months Face Uncertain Return

Two astronauts on board the International Space Station (ISS) are facing an uncertain return after problems with Boeing’s first crewed spaceflight.

NASA veteran astronauts Barry ‘Butch’ Wilmore and Sunita ‘Suni’ Williams have been in space for 63 days, nearly seven weeks longer than their original mission plan. NASA is now considering bringing them back to Earth in February 2025 via a SpaceX Dragon capsule.

Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, stated that a firm decision on their return date will be made in mid-August. NASA is working closely with Boeing, SpaceX, and the Russian space agency Roscosmos to determine the best course of action.

The return of Wilmore and Williams on a Dragon capsule would entail sending only two astronauts on the Crew 9 mission to the ISS, instead of the usual four. However, Stich emphasized that returning them on Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft remains the primary option.

The Starliner capsule encountered technical issues during its uncrewed Orbital Flight Test 2 (OFT-2) mission in May 2022. It was intended to dock with the ISS, but a software error caused it to abort its approach. Boeing has been working to resolve the software issues, and the OFT-2 mission is expected to be repeated in the fall.

If the Starliner is not ready for a crewed flight in time, NASA has backup plans in place. One option is to use a Russian Soyuz spacecraft to bring Wilmore and Williams back to Earth. Another option is to extend their stay on the ISS until the Starliner is available, but this would require additional supplies and provisions.

The extended stay on the ISS has sparked concerns about the astronauts’ health and safety. However, NASA officials have stressed that the astronauts are in good health and are undergoing regular medical monitoring. They also have access to all the necessary supplies and equipment to ensure their well-being.

The situation is a significant setback for Boeing’s commercial space program. The company has invested billions of dollars in developing the Starliner spacecraft, and its successful launch and docking were essential to NASA’s plans for commercial crew transportation. The technical problems have raised questions about Boeing’s ability to meet its contractual obligations and timelines.

The ongoing situation underscores the challenges and complexities of space exploration. Despite the setbacks, NASA remains committed to working with its partners to ensure the safe return of Wilmore and Williams. The agency is also looking ahead to the future of commercial crew transportation, with SpaceX’s Crew Dragon and Boeing’s Starliner expected to play a key role in future ISS missions.

The return of Wilmore and Williams will be a major milestone in the history of space exploration. Their extended stay on the ISS has been a testament to their resilience and adaptability, and their safe return home will be a triumph for NASA and the entire space community.