NASA leaders are providing an update on two astronauts who have been stranded on the International Space Station since June due to a malfunction on their Boeing spacecraft. Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams arrived on a Starliner spacecraft on June 5 and were only supposed to stay until the middle of the month. However, authorities have been grappling with how to safely return them home after discovering helium leaks and propulsion problems.
One possible solution that has been discussed is sending the astronauts back to Earth on the NASA SpaceX Crew-9 mission, which is set to launch in September with two empty seats. This would allow Wilmore and Williams to return home on the February 2025 mission. If the agency approves this contingency plan, Starliner would undock from the space station and autonomously return to Earth. Boeing has expressed confidence in the safety of the Starliner for transporting the astronauts back.
While Boeing is confident in the safety of the Starliner, NASA says it needs more time to analyze the spacecraft’s maneuvering thrusters, which developed problems during its first astronaut-crewed flight to the ISS. The discussion about how to bring Wilmore and Williams back safely is ongoing, and authorities are considering all available options. The decision to send them back on the SpaceX Crew-9 mission would depend on certain factors being approved by the agency.
Overall, the Boeing Starliner mission was described as “spectacular” and went according to plan until a malfunction occurred on day 2 of the mission. NASA and Boeing are working together to ensure the safe return of the astronauts to Earth. The situation is being closely monitored and updates are expected as more information becomes available. This is a developing story and NASA leaders are actively working on finding a solution to bring the stranded astronauts home safely.
