These two must be losing their minds on board the ISS. The Delays and having to stay in zero-gravity can really make one a bit nuts But safety does come first so no matter how long it takes, we will all be happy when they return to Earth safe and healthy.
Two NASA astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) are extending their stay due to technical issues with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, marking yet another hiccup in Boeing’s spaceflight program. Veteran astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who were part of the capsule’s first crewed mission launched on June 5, were originally scheduled to stay in space for about a week. However, problems with the Starliner’s propulsion system have necessitated a prolonged mission as engineers work to resolve the issues.
What’s going on with Starliner spacecraft? Boeing, NASA insist astronauts are not ‘stranded.’ pic.twitter.com/N1pc7s7Ky0
— Chanel Aveson (@MarcusJlaczyrh) June 29, 2024
The Starliner encountered problems soon after its launch, including a small helium leak in its propulsion system. Further complications arose when five of the capsule’s 28 thrusters failed during the docking process with the ISS. Although most of the thrusters were subsequently restarted, the incident has led to extensive troubleshooting by NASA and Boeing engineers. The propulsion system’s issues are significant because it maneuvers the spacecraft, especially critical during docking and undocking procedures.
NASA has opted not to rush the return of the astronauts, prioritizing safety and the need for a thorough investigation over sticking to the original timeline. The spacecraft is currently docked at the ISS, where it can remain for up to 45 days without concerns about battery life—a duration that recent tests suggest could be extended if necessary.
Scrap StarLiner & start over; send the astronauts home in a Russian vehicle & let StarLiner burn up in the atmosphere. Way too many red flags. @Boeing @NASA
Boeing Insists Astronauts ‘Are Not Stranded‘ as They‘re Stuck in Space for over 3 Weeks https://t.co/yyWuTik5FK
— James Miller 🔭 (@James_NX74205) June 29, 2024
Ground tests are ongoing in the New Mexico desert, aiming to replicate the docking scenario to better understand the thruster malfunctions. These tests are expected to take several weeks, during which time NASA and Boeing will not set a definitive return date for the astronauts.
Despite the setbacks, NASA’s commercial crew program manager, Steve Stich, emphasized that the astronauts are not stranded and could return to Earth on the Starliner in case of an emergency at the ISS. The agency has contingency plans allowing for an extended mission duration of up to 210 days if needed.
Two NASA astronauts will stay longer at the International Space Station as engineers troubleshoot problems on Boeing’s new space capsule that cropped up on the trip there.https://t.co/zmbYYftE6f
— WUSF (@wusf) June 29, 2024
This situation points out the challenges faced by NASA and Boeing as they seek to establish reliable crewed missions to the ISS. Since the retirement of the space shuttle fleet, NASA has relied on private companies like SpaceX, which has successfully completed nine taxi flights since 2020. NASA plans to alternate between SpaceX and Boeing for future astronaut transports to and from the ISS. Perhaps even now Elon Musk will be called upon to save the day.
Key Points:
i. NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams have extended their ISS mission due to unresolved issues with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft.
ii. Technical problems with the Starliner’s propulsion system, including a helium leak and thruster failures, have prompted extensive troubleshooting.
iii. The Starliner, designed for missions up to 210 days, remains docked at the ISS with its return date undecided as ground tests continue.
iv. NASA emphasizes the astronauts are safe and can return in an emergency, countering any notion they are stranded.
v. The incident highlights ongoing challenges in NASA’s collaboration with private companies for crewed space missions.
Susan Guglielmo – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
