Article Summary –
NASA is deciding how to bring home two astronauts, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who have been at the International Space Station for over two months due to issues with their spacecraft, Boeing’s Starliner. The decision about whether to use the Starliner or one of SpaceX’s Dragon capsules to return the astronauts to Earth is expected by the end of the month. These issues with the Starliner occurred during its first crewed test flight, impeding NASA’s possible certification of Boeing for regular flights to and from the ISS.
NASA to Decide Fate of Stranded Astronauts at International Space Station
NASA is set to make a final decision concerning the safe return of two astronauts stranded at the International Space Station (ISS) for over two months. Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams embarked on a mission aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft in June, aiming to spend just over a week in space.
Technical issues with the spacecraft forced them to extend their stay at the ISS. NASA officials announced on Wednesday that experts are reviewing data from tests and contemplating various options for their safe return to Earth.
Upcoming Formal Review and Decision
Ken Bowersox, Associate Administrator of NASA’s Space Operations Mission Directorate, stated that the analysis should be completed next week. A formal review will follow, ultimately leading to a decision “around the end of next week, potentially beginning of the following week.”
Returning to Earth: Boeing Starliner or SpaceX Dragon?
Now, NASA is faced with the decision to either return the astronauts aboard the problematic Starliner or use SpaceX’s Dragon capsules instead. Wilmore and Williams’ journey marked the first crewed test flight of Boeing’s Starliner capsule. The mission intended to serve as a vital final test before NASA could officially endorse Boeing for regular flights to and from the ISS.
However, the Starliner experienced multiple malfunctions during its journey, causing delays in the docking process and revealing a helium leak in the capsule’s propulsion system. Although mission managers were aware of this issue prior to the launch, they believed it wouldn’t jeopardize the mission or the astronauts’ safety.
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