Two American astronauts, Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Sunita Williams, embarked on what was supposed to be an eight-day test mission to the International Space Station (ISS) on June 5. However, their return has been delayed indefinitely due to complications with their Boeing Starliner spacecraft. Instead of a quick trip home, they now face the prospect of spending the rest of the year in space, possibly even the holidays.
Technical Troubles with Starliner
Wilmore and Williams were aboard the first crewed flight of Boeing’s Starliner, a spacecraft designed to complement NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. The mission aimed to test Starliner’s performance before it could be used regularly. Yet, as the spacecraft neared the ISS, technical problems surfaced, including propulsion system leaks and thruster failures. Despite these issues, they successfully docked with the ISS.
NASA is now working to find a safe way to return the astronauts. “Our primary plan is to bring Butch and Suni back on Starliner,” said Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. “However, we’re also exploring alternatives, including potentially using SpaceX’s Crew Dragon if Starliner isn’t ready.”
Delays and Alternative Plans
Discussions are ongoing with SpaceX to possibly allocate two seats on an upcoming Crew Dragon flight, which has been delayed from mid-August to late September. If the Starliner issues are not resolved, Wilmore and Williams might remain on the ISS until February 2025 or beyond.
Ken Bowersox, NASA’s director of space operations, mentioned that the option of an uncrewed Starliner return is becoming more likely due to ongoing technical difficulties. “We’re examining this option closely to ensure we’re prepared,” he said.
Using SpaceX for the return would be a blow to Boeing, which has been trying to compete with SpaceX’s more established Crew Dragon. Boeing’s Starliner mission was critical for the company, which has faced several public relations challenges recently.
Boeing’s Struggles and NASA’s Response
Starliner has been docked with the ISS for 63 of the maximum 90 days allowed, occupying the same port needed for Crew Dragon’s upcoming mission. To support the astronauts’ extended stay, NASA recently sent a SpaceX rocket with additional supplies and clothing.
Despite the situation, Wilmore and Williams remain upbeat. “We’ve been fully integrated with the crew and are keeping busy,” Williams reported. “It feels good to float around and work with the ISS team.”
This mission marks the third spaceflight for Wilmore and the third ISS mission for Williams, whose experience has helped them adjust to the unforeseen extension of their mission.
Ongoing Issues and Internal Disputes
Boeing had hoped the Starliner mission would lead to regular NASA missions, but ongoing technical issues have cast doubt on that goal. Boeing’s engineers have identified several problems, including overheating thrusters and helium leaks. Despite assurances from Boeing on August 2 that Starliner would eventually be ready for crew return, the spacecraft still faces significant challenges.
Recent reports suggest internal disagreements between NASA and Boeing over the spacecraft’s issues. Some NASA officials have questioned whether Starliner should be used for the astronauts’ return, leading to disputes within NASA’s Commercial Crew Program.
Historical Context and Future Outlook
While an extended stay in space is unusual, it is not unprecedented. Space experts highlight that test missions often encounter unexpected issues. For Boeing, the stakes are high, as the Starliner mission was crucial for its reputation amidst several recent failures.
As Wilmore and Williams remain on the ISS, they join a notable list of astronauts who have spent extended periods in space. Russian cosmonaut Valeri Polyakov holds the record for the longest single spaceflight at 437 days, and NASA astronaut Frank Rubio recently set the record for the longest time an American has spent in space with 371 days aboard the ISS.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding their return, both astronauts maintain a positive attitude. “I’m not complaining about the extra time here,” Williams noted. With the possibility of staying in space until next year, their mission is far from over.
