NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore, 61, and Suni Williams, 58, knew they would be staying on the International Space Station (ISS) for eight days before they left Earth in June. Instead, because of issues with Boeing’s Starliner spaceship, they will be spending more than 60 days in orbit, maybe staying until February 2025.
The mission began with promise, as the duo launched aboard the Starliner. However, as they approached the ISS, issues emerged, including helium leaks and thruster failures. Despite these challenges, Williams and Wilmore safely docked. The return journey, however, has been jeopardized by the Starliner’s malfunctions.
Boeing maintains confidence in the Starliner’s capabilities, stating last week that the spacecraft remains safe for crewed return. Yet, NASA is exploring contingencies. One such plan involves deploying SpaceX’s Crew-9 mission in September. Originally slated to transport four astronauts, this mission might reserve two seats for Williams and Wilmore if the Starliner is deemed unfit.
The extended stay has garnered significant attention on social media, with many expressing concern and drawing parallels to cinematic and real-life disasters. Comparisons to “Gilligan’s Island” and the ill-fated OceanGate submersible have surfaced, highlighting public unease. Comments range from jesting about potential Netflix adaptations to serious apprehensions about the astronauts’ well-being.
The situation also underscores the contrasting trajectories of Boeing and SpaceX within NASA’s Commercial Crew Program (CCP). While SpaceX’s Crew Dragon has seen routine success, Boeing’s Starliner faces persistent challenges. Professor Mike Gruntman of the University of Southern California remarked on the gravity of Boeing’s setbacks, labeling them a “national tragedy.”
NASA remains uncommitted regarding the mode of the astronauts’ return. Steve Stich, manager of the CCP, emphasized that the primary goal is to bring the crew back via Starliner but acknowledged the need for alternative plans. A decision is anticipated in the coming week, as NASA evaluates Boeing’s additional testing data and assesses the viability of potential rescue missions.