Space & Astronomy

Starliner astronauts could be stranded on ISS until next year

By T.K. Randall
August 8, 2024

Image: International Space Station
Credit: (PD) NASA When Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams launched aboard Boeing's Starliner spacecraft on its debut crewed mission back in June, they had expected to remain aboard the International Space Station for around 8 days before returning to Earth.

As things stand, however, a plethora of technical issues with the vehicle has prevented them from leaving and it doesn't look as though they will be getting home anytime soon.

These issues, which include leaks in the propulsion system and faulty thrusters, mean that the Starliner spacecraft may not be entirely safe for the astronauts to return in.

While proceeding with the return flight is still potentially on the cards, if NASA thinks it would be too dangerous then Wilmore and Williams will likely have to wait for an alternative option.

"Our prime option is to return Butch and Suni on Starliner," said Steve Stich, manager of NASA's Commercial Crew Program"However, we have done the requisite planning to make sure we have other options open."

One such alternative option would be to wait for another crewed mission that will bring two more astronauts to the orbital outpost in September and then return with them in February 2025.

This would mean that the pair will have spent 8 months, rather than 8 days, aboard the ISS.

On the plus side, both astronauts have been getting on fine.

"We've been thoroughly busy up here, integrated right into the crew," said Williams who is certainly no stranger to long stays aboard the station.

"It feels like coming back home. It feels good to float around. It feels good to be in space and work up here with the International Space Station team. So yeah, it's great to be up here."

Source: BBC News

Tags: Starliner