Two astronauts stranded at the International Space Station after their Boeing spacecraft malfunctioned could be there much longer than anticipated because of an incompatibility with their spacesuits.
The two astronauts arrived in the Starliner vehicle June 5 and were only supposed to stay until the middle of the month.
Authorities have been discussing how to safely return them home after discovering helium leaks and propulsion problems.
Both astronauts are “very familiar” with the International Space Station, said Russ DeLoach, NASA’s chief of safety and mission assurance. The Starliner test flight marked the third mission to the ISS for each of them.
With the commercialization of space, NASA is not as deeply involved as it once was with every aspect of mission and spacecraft design.
As a result, an incompatibility between the spacesuits designed by SpaceX and Boeing has reportedly created an issue returning Wilmore and Williams to Earth.
“The Boeing spacesuit is made to work with the Starliner spacecraft, and the SpaceX spacesuit is made to work with the Dragon spacecraft,” NASA told Fox News Digital. “Both were designed to fit each unique spacecraft.”
NASA did not confirm whether the issue is detrimental to the astronauts’ return.
Fox News Digital has also reached out to Boeing on the matter.
On Saturday, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson and agency leaders will hold an internal agency test flight readiness review in connection to the Boeing crew flight test. During the review, “any formal dissents will be presented and reconciled,” NASA said.
After the test, NASA is expected to host a live news conference at 1 p.m. from Johnson Space Center in Houston.
The decision to return the Starliner spacecraft to Earth with astronauts is expected to be made no earlier than Saturday.
According to NASA’s website, if the decision is made to return Starliner to Earth without a crew, Wilmore and Williams will remain on the space station until late February 2025.
NASA would then plan to have the SpaceX Crew-9 mission have only two crew members, instead of four, travel to the space station in September and Wilmore and Williams would return to earth with the two-person crew early next year.
The Implications of the Spacesuit Incompatibility
The spacesuit incompatibility issue highlights the growing complexities of commercial space travel. As NASA increasingly relies on private companies like SpaceX and Boeing to transport astronauts and cargo to space, ensuring compatibility between different spacecraft and equipment becomes crucial.
The situation also underscores the importance of having contingency plans in place for mission operations. While NASA has a backup plan to send the astronauts home on a SpaceX Dragon, the incompatibility issue could delay their return, further complicating the situation and causing delays and potentially additional costs.
The Future of Commercial Space Travel
This situation is a reminder of the significant challenges still faced in the realm of commercial space travel. While private companies have made incredible strides in recent years, the complexities of space exploration demand a high degree of collaboration, coordination, and robust contingency planning.
As space exploration becomes more commercialized, it will be essential for NASA and private companies to work together to ensure interoperability and compatibility between different spacecraft and equipment. This includes addressing potential issues like the spacesuit incompatibility, to ensure the safety and success of future missions.
The ongoing situation with the stranded astronauts highlights the evolving nature of space travel, where unexpected challenges and unforeseen circumstances can arise. The ability to adapt and overcome these obstacles will be crucial for the continued success of commercial space exploration, ensuring the safety and well-being of astronauts while pushing the boundaries of human achievement in space.
