Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore were initially expected to return from the International Space Station (ISS) in about a week, but their return has now been pushed back to at least February 2025. The veteran astronauts launched to the ISS in early June aboard Boeing’s Starliner, a capsule designed for transporting crews to and from low Earth orbit.
Unfortunately, a couple of months later, they remain stranded in space due to safety concerns regarding the Starliner’s ability to return to Earth.
Why Did They Go to the ISS?
Williams and Wilmore were part of the first crewed launch of the Starliner, intended to validate the spacecraft and its systems. This mission served as the final flight test for the Starliner, assessing everything from the launch pad and rocket to in-orbit operations and the eventual return of the astronauts.
What Is Boeing’s Starliner?
Developed in partnership with NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, Boeing’s Starliner is designed to provide safe and cost-effective human transportation to the ISS. The capsule can carry up to seven passengers or a mix of crew and cargo, featuring a weldless structure and a reusability of up to ten flights with a six-month turnaround.
The Starliner’s maiden voyage was significantly delayed, taking place about seven years later than planned due to production issues, hardware and software setbacks, and the failure of an uncrewed test flight five years prior.
What Went Wrong?
Before launch, engineers discovered a small helium leak in the propulsion system but proceeded with the launch, believing it posed no significant risk. After the launch, however, four additional helium leaks emerged, and five rear-facing maneuvering thrusters failed to operate correctly.
NASA previously indicated that excessive heat affecting some thruster components caused Teflon seals to bulge, limiting propellant flow. Recent discussions among NASA officials have raised questions about whether these bulging seals are indeed the root of the thruster problems and if using the Starliner to bring the astronauts back is a viable option.
Alternative Solutions
NASA is now considering engaging SpaceX to bring the astronauts home. If this happens, Williams and Wilmore may need to remain on the ISS for an additional six months. Reports suggest a significant shift in NASA’s stance regarding the spacecraft for their return, with the SpaceX Crew Dragon now being viewed as a serious alternative rather than just a backup option.
NASA has reportedly begun discussions with SpaceX to leave two seats empty on an upcoming Crew Dragon launch for this purpose. Utilizing the SpaceX spacecraft instead of Boeing’s Starliner would be a considerable setback for Boeing, which has struggled to compete with Elon Musk’s company.
Life on the ISS
Recently, NASA used a SpaceX rocket to deliver supplies, including additional clothing, to the ISS. While Williams and Wilmore are currently guests aboard the station, their extended stay means they will transition to full-time expedition members, joining the existing international crew of seven astronauts. NASA has indicated that they have seamlessly integrated into the team and are contributing to daily tasks aboard the orbiting laboratory.
