Additional Coverage:
- NASA says it can ask SpaceX to bring Boeing astronauts home if needed, as they reach 51 days on the space station (newsbreak.com)
In a recent press call from the space station, NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore communicated with the media. The duo ventured to the space station via Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft but encountered mechanical issues that have left them stranded.
A NASA official has indicated that SpaceX’s Crew Dragon might be used as a plan B to return the astronauts to Earth. Williams and Wilmore have been aboard the International Space Station for almost two months due to problems with the Starliner’s thrusters and a helium leak, compounding their predicament.
As the situation becomes increasingly complex, SpaceX, with its proven track record of ferrying astronauts to and from the ISS with Crew Dragon, is being considered as a likely alternative for their return. Steve Stich, who manages NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, affirmed that they are exploring all possible solutions, including using an alternative system if necessary, although he refrained from detailing specific plans until absolutely essential.
Boeing and SpaceX were both funded under NASA’s Commercial Crew Program to develop reliable vehicles for astronaut transport. SpaceX has evidently progressed more swiftly and cost-effectively, launching their first manned flight in 2020, while Boeing is still trying to manage their inaugural manned mission.
Elon Musk, SpaceX’s CEO, highlighted Boeing’s challenges on social media, criticizing the company for its management issues. Meanwhile, the targeted eight-day test mission by Boeing has exceeded expectations, having now surpassed the initially planned duration due to ongoing technical issues.
Currently docked at the space station, the Starliner, which flew Williams and Wilmore 262 miles above Earth, was originally intended to stay for a maximum of 45 days, although issues have extended this period to potentially 90 days as NASA continues its troubleshooting efforts.
Mark Nappi, VP and program manager at Boeing for Commercial Crew Program efforts, expressed regret over not planning for a longer initial mission. The next steps involve testing a spare Starliner thruster to mimic the return journey and ensure it can safely bring the astronauts home. Despite the delay in determining a return date, NASA remains focused on resolving the Starliner issues, assuring that the astronauts are safe for the duration of their extended stay in space.