astronaut Return from ISS Delayed Until Late March
The return of two astronauts, originally scheduled for February, has been pushed back to late March due to unforeseen complications with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. The astronauts, who launched on a manned test flight of the Starliner on June 5th, have been aboard the International Space Station (ISS) for significantly longer than anticipated.
Initially, the mission was planned for approximately eight days. Though, post-docking inspections revealed critical malfunctions, including a helium leak and a faulty maneuvering thruster. These issues prompted NASA to prioritize safety and opt for a different return vehicle.
“After careful consideration, the team determined that launching the new Dragon spacecraft in late March (next year) once fully equipped was the best option to meet NASA’s requirements and achieve the space station’s 2025 space station goals,” NASA stated in a recent press release.
Instead of using the Starliner for the return trip, NASA will utilize spacex’s Dragon capsule. This decision necessitated a complex rescheduling process, involving adjustments to the Crew-9 mission. To accommodate the stranded astronauts, two seats on the Crew-9 Dragon capsule will remain unoccupied, allowing Williams and Wilmore to return alongside two Crew-9 astronauts.
The delay stems further from the decision to use a brand-new Dragon spacecraft for the Crew-9 and Crew-10 crew rotations, requiring additional preparation time. This extended stay means the astronauts will have spent approximately ten months on the ISS.
Despite the extended mission, the astronauts remain in good spirits. A recent photograph shows them smiling and celebrating Christmas, highlighting their resilience and positive attitude amidst the unexpected circumstances.
This delay underscores the inherent challenges and complexities of space travel, highlighting the importance of rigorous testing and contingency planning. The incident also raises questions about the readiness of the Boeing Starliner for future crewed missions, prompting further examination and review by NASA.
