Stranded astronauts in space may not return to Earth until next year
Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams set out on Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft in June, expecting an eight-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS) before returning to Earth. However, what was supposed to be a brief trip has now stretched into over two months, with no clear end in sight.
Their extended stay is the result of multiple technical issues plaguing the Starliner spacecraft. Problems such as leaks in the propulsion system and malfunctioning thrusters have raised concerns about the safety of their return journey. As a result, the astronauts’ return to Earth has been indefinitely delayed.
NASA is weighing its options, with a focus on safety. “Our prime option is to return Butch and Suni on Starliner,” said Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. “However, we have done the requisite planning to make sure we have other options open.”
One of these alternatives involves waiting for another crewed mission in September, which would bring two more astronauts to the ISS and allow Wilmore and Williams to return with them in February 2025.
If this plan is adopted, the pair’s mission would extend from the originally planned eight days to a full eight months.
Despite the unexpected turn of events, both astronauts are taking the situation in stride. “We’ve been thoroughly busy up here, integrated right into the crew,” said Williams, a seasoned ISS veteran.
“It feels like coming back home. It feels good to float around. It feels good to be in space and work up here with the International Space Station team. So yeah, it’s great to be up here.”
For now, Wilmore and Williams continue their work aboard the ISS.
