Two NASA astronauts, who arrived at the International Space Station on June 5, remain there due to complications with their spacecraft — leaving them uncertain about when they will return home.
NASA is addressing the situation and mentioned in a phone briefing with reporters on Wednesday that they are contemplating a possible rescue by the SpaceX Crew-9 Dragon for Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, should the Boeing Starliner spacecraft they traveled in be deemed too risky for return.
The original schedule for the astronauts’ mission intended for their return in mid-June, but it has now exceeded two months as the Starliner faced helium leaks and propulsion system malfunctions, issues that Wilmore and Williams learned about once they docked at the ISS.
While a backup plan is yet to be finalized, NASA is weighing the option of sending Wilmore and Williams home on the upcoming NASA SpaceX Crew-9 mission, set to launch in September with two astronauts and return in February with four, as discussed during the Wednesday briefing.
NASA-BOEING STARLINER LAUNCH WAS ‘SPECTACULAR,’ MISSION PROCEEDED AS SCHEDULED UNTIL DAY 2, SAY ASTRONAUTS
NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore were the crew on Boeing’s Starliner capsule, which is currently addressing a series of issues. (NASA)
In response to the current situation, NASA has brought in new propulsion experts to investigate the root cause of the helium leaks and thruster issues.
If a contingency plan is approved, officials indicate they might have Starliner undock from the ISS and return to Earth autonomously.
STARLINER WAS AN ASTRONAUTS’ ‘LIFESAVING’ OPTION IF A DESTROYED RUSSIAN SATELLITE COLLIDED WITH THE SPACE STATION
NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams during NASA’s live broadcast of their June 5, 2024, launch. (NASA)
Boeing expresses confidence that its new Starliner spacecraft is safe for bringing Wilmore and Williams back to Earth.
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NASA informs that they require additional time to analyze the spacecraft’s maneuvering thrusters, which encountered issues during its initial astronaut-crewed journey to the ISS.
Contributions to this report were made by Fox News’ Charles Bell and Jonathan Serrie.
