Astronauts Wilmore and Williams Face Being Stuck on ISS Until 2025

When American astronauts Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Sunita Williams embarked on a test mission to the International Space Station (ISS) on June 5, they anticipated a brief stay. However, nearly two months later, the duo remains in orbit, facing the prospect of spending up to eight months in space.

Technical Glitches: Their return journey was thwarted by issues with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft, including propulsion system leaks and thruster malfunctions. NASA is now exploring alternative return options if the Starliner is deemed unsafe for the trip back to Earth.

Potential Return Plans: One option is to wait for a SpaceX Crew Dragon mission in September, which could bring them home in February 2025. This contingency plan would mean over eight months on the ISS instead of the planned eight days. Meanwhile, the Starliner could return to Earth uncrewed, controlled by computers.

Ongoing Discussions: NASA officials have yet to finalize a decision. “Our prime option is to return Butch and Suni on Starliner,” stated Steve Stich, NASA’s Commercial Crew Program manager. “However, we have done the requisite planning to make sure we have other options open.”

Impact on Boeing: This situation is a setback for Boeing, which has been striving to compete with SpaceX’s Crew Dragon, a NASA-approved spacecraft since 2020. Recently, a SpaceX rocket delivered extra supplies, including clothes for the extended stay of Wilmore and Williams.

Positive Outlook: Despite the unexpected extension, the astronauts remain positive. “We’ve been thoroughly busy up here,” Williams said. “It feels good to be in space and work with the International Space Station team.”

Historical Context: Extended missions are not unprecedented. Russian cosmonaut Valeri Polyakov spent 437 days aboard the Mir space station in the mid-1990s, and Frank Rubio set a record for the longest time an American has spent in space with 371 days last year.

Awaiting a Decision: As discussions continue, Wilmore and Williams might find themselves in space for many more weeks. “I’m not complaining that we’re here for a couple extra weeks,” Williams remarked optimistically last month.