NASA Plans Sunita Williams’ Return on SpaceX in 2025 Amid Boeing Starliner Issues
News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/8th August 2024
NASA is currently evaluating the possibility of extending the mission duration for astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams aboard the International Space Station (ISS) due to ongoing issues with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. Initially planned as a short mission, the stay of these astronauts could be extended from one week to eight months, depending on the outcome of ongoing evaluations.
On Wednesday, NASA stated that if Boeing’s Starliner continues to pose safety concerns for returning astronauts to Earth, an alternative plan may be necessary. The agency is considering using SpaceX’s Crew Dragon to bring the astronauts back in February 2025. This contingency plan highlights the challenges Boeing faces with the Starliner, which encountered significant propulsion problems during its June 2024 flight to the ISS.
A decision regarding the safety and continued use of the Starliner is expected later this month, as confirmed by NASA officials during a recent press briefing. The propulsion issues, particularly thruster malfunctions and helium leaks detected after the Starliner’s docking with the ISS, have caused extended testing and troubleshooting. These technical difficulties have forced NASA to consider alternative solutions to ensure the safe return of the astronauts.
In response to the situation, SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, is actively preparing for its Crew-9 mission, scheduled for launch on September 24. This mission, originally intended to carry four astronauts, might now be launched with only two astronauts on board. If NASA opts to use SpaceX for the return journey, the Crew Dragon capsule could bring Wilmore and Williams back to Earth in February 2025. This development would represent a significant setback for Boeing, a major player in the aerospace industry, as it struggles to address the technical issues plaguing the Starliner.
The Starliner has been docked at the ISS since June 2024, and the ongoing propulsion problems have prevented its safe return. The spacecraft’s thruster malfunctions and helium leaks have required extensive investigation by engineers, delaying any potential return mission. NASA is keen to explore all available options, including the possible use of a SpaceX Dragon capsule, to ensure the astronauts’ safe return.
The delay in SpaceX’s crewed mission launch from August to September 24 has further complicated the situation. However, with the two astronauts having already spent over two months on the ISS, NASA is under pressure to develop a viable plan for their return. The agency’s decision to possibly extend the astronauts’ mission duration highlights the seriousness of the Starliner’s issues and the need for a reliable backup plan.
As Boeing and NASA continue to work on resolving the technical problems with the Starliner, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and successful return of the astronauts. While NASA is committed to the Starliner program, the potential reliance on SpaceX for the return journey underscores the importance of having multiple options in the ever-evolving landscape of space exploration.
