Featured Image Credit: NASA
Topics: NASA, International Space Station, SpaceX, Space
Yasmeen Hamadeh
What was supposed to be a week-long expedition for two astronauts in space has spiraled into a month-long crisis with no clear end in sight.
On June 5, 2024, NASA test-pilots Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams set out to the International Space Station for an eight-day trip. They were supposed to return sometime in mid-June.
Unfortunately, unexpected thruster failures and helium leaks on the new Boeing Starliner capsule — that launched the two on their trip and was supposed to bring them back home — has meant that NASA has had to keep them in the ISS longer.
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The capsule experienced a malfunction in five maneuvering thrusters, had five helium leaks, and saw one of its propellant valves fail to close completely ahead of its docking on the ISS.
While a previous Reuters report hinted that NASA was hoping to get Wilmore and Williams back by July 6, officials have recently given an update clarifying that no return date is yet set until engineers figure out a way to completely solve the capsule's issues.
NASA's commercial crew program manager Steve Stich said mission managers are not ready to announce a return date yet, but clarified that the primary goal is to bring Wilmore and Williams back aboard the Starliner and home.
"We'll come home when we're ready," Stich said.
He also acknowledged that NASA currently has several backup options under review if the Starliner fails to be fixed in time. One option is SpaceX's Dragon capsule which can bring astronauts to and from space stations.
"NASA always has contingency options," he clarified.
Stich previously shared to reporters that the Starliner can be docked at the ISS for up to 45 days. However, this can be extended to about 72 days if need be as there are several backup systems in place.
Engineers are currently testing spare thrusters in the New Mexico desert to try and understand what went wrong with the Starliner ahead of its docking. Five of its thrusters failed as it approached the space station on June 6, four have since been reactivated.
This was Boeing's first ever test flight with a crew aboard. The initial demo in 2019, which flew empty, never made it to the space station because of bad software.
They repeated the test in 2022, however, more issues arose.
Despite the slew of problems, NASA is confident that Wilmore and Williams can and will be returned home safely.