It was supposed to be an eight-day mission as NASA astronauts Butch Wilmoreand Sunita Williams traveled on Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft to the International Space Station. What had seemed like just another early June jaunt turned into much longer because of unexpected mechanical troubles with their spacecraft. Now, the astronauts realize they might have to spend a year in space.
The first mission plan was plain: start with Boeing’s Starliner, spend about a week at the ISS, and return safely to Earth. Two experienced astronauts—Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams—are assigned for this mission to test the capabilities of the prospective spacecraft. It was an important step in the current cooperation between NASA and Boeing, aimed at creating a commercial crew transport system that would become real.
Things turned around a bit when the astronauts arrived at the ISS, only to find that there were technical problems with the Starliner, which would not permit it to return the astronauts safely. Not wasting a moment in light of this, NASA began evaluating the situation against the backdrop of safety as the main concern and extended the stay of the astronauts on the ISS.
As Wilmore and Williams readjust to this unexpected challenge, they’re now embroiled in a year-long adventure; life in space was extended far beyond what either of them could have predicted. Undeterred by this unscheduled extension, the astronauts have continued with obligations and are putting their time on board the ISS to good use by engaging in many scientific experiments and maintenance tasks.
Since its launch, the Starliner spacecraft, developed by Boeing as a major piece under NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, has been plagued by a number of technical issues. These have created serious safety concerns, which will lead NASA to consider their alternatives very seriously in ensuring that the astronauts return home safely.
This is where the primary challenge lies: how to ensure any return method devised is completely safe. NASA has expressed its commitment to their astronauts’ safety and is actively looking for ways in which to bring Wilmore and Williams home.
One of the most viable alternatives for the return ride of the astronauts would be through the SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule. NASA is eyeing this option, probably returning in February 2025 if Starliner cannot be used safely. This plan had to incorporate Wilmore and Williams into the return flight of the Crew Dragon in order to ensure a safe and reliable journey back to Earth.
Meanwhile, NASA will hold down a revamp for the next SpaceX taxi flight in September. If two astronauts from the upcoming flight were to be left behind at the ISS, it would save seats on the following Crew Dragon mission for Wilmore and Williams. It means flexibility related to return plans will be given to both.
Boeing, the maker of the spacecraft, is impressed with the safety and performance of its Starliner. Boeing has reiterated that despite the apparent challenges at the moment, it believes that the Starliner will be able to perform crewed undocking and landing at some point in the future.
It’s working hard to determine what’s gone wrong technically and fix those problems, with the goal of reestablishing the reliability of the Starliner as a commercial crew transport solution.
Crew Dragon is a reliable alternative with its successful work regarding crewed missions. NASA’s turning to SpaceX for the duty underlines the significance of having multiple commercial partners in space exploration. By holding open seats on a future Crew Dragon for Wilmore and Williams, NASA can ensure that the astronauts have a secure and timely way back to Earth, even if the Starliner stays grounded.
