NASA astronaut Sunita Williams' journey on Starliner seems no less than a science thriller movie. It all started when NASA announced that Sunita Williams and another astronaut, Butch Wilmore, would fly aboard Boeing Starliner, becoming the first persons to ride on it. First, the launch of the spacecraft was delayed by a month, and now its return to Earth is being delayed by months.
With the two astronauts' stay in space getting longer each day, and many questions being raised about their safety and the efforts being made to ensure their safe return, NASA has shared some answers.
From how long Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore will stay in space, to what is the emergency evacuation plan in place, to whether the ISS is adequately stocked to ensure a smooth stay of the additional crew members for a longer duration, NASA has tried to answer several questions.
Technical Issues With Starliner
NASA: During Starliner’s flight to the ISS, engineers noticed some thrusters did not perform as expected, and several leaks were detected in its helium system. These issues have led to extended troubleshooting and additional tests to determine the cause and plan for a safe return.
Why Is The Return Being Delayed?
NASA: The technical issues with the thrusters and helium system have delayed its return. NASA and Boeing are working to understand these problems fully before bringing Starliner back to Earth to ensure the crew’s safety.
Are The Astronauts Stuck In Space?
NASA: No, they are not "stuck". They are safe aboard the ISS, actively participating in research and monitoring Starliner’s systems. Starliner remains a primary return option, but NASA is considering other possibilities if the spacecraft isn’t cleared.
How Long Will The Astronauts Stay In Space?
NASA: If NASA decides Starliner cannot return with astronauts, Williams and Wilmore could remain aboard the ISS until February 2025. They might return with SpaceX Crew-9 as part of an adjusted mission plan.
Is The International Space Station Stocked Enough To Accommodate Additional Crew Members?
NASA: Yes, the ISS is well-stocked with food, water, and other supplies. Recent resupply missions have brought additional essentials, and more missions are planned through the end of 2024.
What Happens If There's An Emergency?
NASA: In case of an emergency, Starliner remains the primary escape option. However, other contingency plans, like using a SpaceX Dragon, are also in place.
How Long Can Astronauts Stay In Space?
NASA: Astronauts on the ISS typically stay for about six months, though missions can extend beyond that. NASA has extensive experience in supporting longer-duration space missions, ensuring safety and well-being through resupply missions and continuous monitoring of health factors.
What Next?
The US space agency is under tremendous pressure to make a quick yet safe decision regarding the astronauts’ return.
According to the US space agency, no final decisions have been made.
“NASA continues to evaluate all options as it learns more about Starliner’s propulsion system. Butch and Suni may return home aboard Starliner, or they could come back as part of the agency’s SpaceX Crew-9 mission early next year,” it said.
Is The International Space Station Stocked Enough?
The International Space Station is “well-stocked with everything the crew needs, including food, water, clothing, and oxygen”.
Recently, a Northrop Grumman Cygnus spacecraft carrying 8,200 pounds of food, fuel, supplies, and science and a Progress resupply spacecraft carrying three tonnes of cargo arrived at the station.
NASA has additional SpaceX resupply missions planned through the end of 2024.
Keeping The Crew Busy
Butch and Suni have been conducting a host of research and studies to understand the Starliner issues and also help the other crew members on the ISS.
"The crew continues to monitor Starliner’s flight systems and gather performance data for system certification. NASA also is taking advantage of Butch and Suni’s extra time aboard the orbital laboratory, where they have completed various science experiments, maintenance tasks, and assisted with spacewalk preparations. Some of the science they’ve recently completed includes new ways to produce fiber optic cables and growing plants aboard the orbiting complex," NASA said.
What About Their Health?
Sunita Williams has had eye and hearing tests during her time at International Space Station (ISS). Williams, along with her colleague Butch Wilmore, also participated in vein scans. A press release from NASA on July 18 informed that doctors on the ground monitored in real-time as the pair took turns imaging each other’s neck, shoulder, and leg veins.
Staying Connected
Ues. They can email, call, and video conference with their family and friends when they have “free time” aboard the International Space Station.
The astronauts’ extended stay aboard the International Space Station has become a test of ingenuity for both NASA and the aerospace industry. As the agency works to solve the Starliner issues, the astronauts' safety remains the paramount concern. The outcome of this situation will likely have a significant impact on the future of space exploration, highlighting the complexities of long-duration space missions and the importance of robust redundancy in spaceflight systems.
