Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who have been stuck on the International Space Station (ISS) for 49 days due to issues with their Boeing Starliner spacecraft, are expected to remain in space for a few more weeks. Their mission, initially planned for just eight days, was extended after helium leaks were discovered in the spacecraft.
The Boeing Starliner, on its maiden crewed voyage, experienced multiple technical difficulties shortly after launching on June 5, 2024. NASA and Boeing have been working tirelessly to ensure the astronauts’ safe return, conducting numerous tests and checks on the spacecraft. This weekend, a final set of tests on the Starliner’s thrusters will be conducted. If these tests are successful and the helium leaks remain stable, NASA will schedule a review next week to determine the official return date for the astronauts.
Steve Stich, NASA’s Commercial Crew Program manager, emphasized that the primary goal is to return Wilmore and Williams aboard the Starliner. However, NASA has backup plans in place if the Starliner proves too risky for the return trip. One option includes using SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft, which has already transported four astronauts to the ISS earlier this year.
Mark Nappi, manager of the Boeing Starliner program, expressed regret for initially stating that the mission would last only eight days. He acknowledged the backlash and assured the public that Boeing is committed to ensuring the safe return of the astronauts.
“The beauty of having Dragon and Starliner is that we have two different systems of transportation to the ISS,” Stich said, highlighting the importance of multiple commercial spacecraft options for space missions.
