NASA Astronauts Stuck on ISS: What’s Next for Williams and Wilmore?

Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore left on June 5 for a test mission to the ISS, a mission that would normally last eight days. However, technical problems with the Starliner prevented them from returning to Earth: the propulsion system of the experimental aircraft is leaking, and the thrusters are also not working properly. In these circumstances, NASA assessed the use of the Starliner as dangerous.

“As astronauts we accept risk as part of the job”

So Williams and Wilmore must remain on the space station until further notice. “They are doing well,” Ken Sowerbox, NASA’s deputy administrator, said at a press conference Tuesday. “If I were in their position I would be very happy. Very happy with the extra time. They like the views, the great space food, and the chance to look out the window. They are doing very well.”

NASA Astronaut Division Chief Joe Acaba said Williams and Wilmore “go into missions knowing that there are different scenarios and things may not go as planned.” “He also confirmed that astronauts receive extensive training before each mission, “so that they are mentally and physically ready for the challenges that may arise in each mission. “It was a test flight, but they knew it might not go perfectly,” Acaba said. “Space travel is really dangerous, and as astronauts we accept it as part of the job.

A twee scheme

NASA is now investigating two possible scenarios to return astronauts to Earth. The first option is to bring them back on the Starliner, but this requires work on that spaceship first. “We still have a lot of confidence in Starliner,” the press conference said. “The fact that our astronauts are now spending longer weeks aboard the ISS also means they have time to explore to detail technical problems with the craft.”

A second option is to leave the SpaceX Crew 9 mission in September with only two of the four astronauts planned. Wilmore and Williams could then return with them. This means that they will be on the ISS until February next year. In that case, however, Williams and Wilmore will have to return without a space suit, as the suit they used for the Starliner mission does not fit the SpaceX Dragon Crew spacecraft.

It was initially reported that a decision would be made between the two positions in mid-August, but that date has now been pushed back to the end of the month. “The best way to reduce risk is to have the best information,” Bowersox said. “That is why we are now consulting with all the teams to reach a consensus. “