Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, are facing an unexpectedly long mission at the International Space Station (ISS) due to technical problems with their spacecraft. Initially planned to be a short mission, their stay has been extended due to multiple issues that have arisen since their launch on June 5.

Technical Problems with the Starliner Spacecraft

Shortly after arriving at the ISS, the Starliner spacecraft encountered significant issues, including multiple helium leaks and thruster failures. The service module of the spacecraft, which is essential for power during the flight, suffered from several helium leaks, making five of the thrusters inoperable. Fortunately, four of these thrusters are now working normally.

Steve Stich, who manages NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, mentioned that NASA might extend the mission from 45 to 90 days to address all the issues thoroughly.He emphasized the importance of thoroughly understanding and addressing the problems before planning the astronauts’ return to Earth.

Efforts to Resolve the Issues

Boeing and NASA are conducting ground tests in New Mexico to better understand and fix the thruster problems. Mark Nappi, Boeing’s vice president and programme manager, highlighted the significance of these tests. He explained that if the tests provide all the necessary answers, the spacecraft can return to Earth. If more information is needed, additional tests might be conducted while the Starliner remains docked at the ISS.

Activities of the Astronauts on the ISS

While waiting for further instructions, Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore have integrated with the ISS crew, performing routine tasks and scientific experiments. They are safe and have access to all necessary resources, including food and communication with Earth. The ISS is well-equipped for long-term stays and is frequently resupplied by missions from Earth.

The astronauts have been actively involved in various tasks on the ISS, such as packing a U.S. cargo craft, cleaning the station, and studying futuristic piloting techniques. They have also participated in space botany experiments and maintenance tasks, ensuring the ISS continues to function smoothly.

Current Status and Future Plans

NASA has stated that the astronauts are not “stuck” in space, as the Starliner can still undock and return to Earth in an emergency. However, the spacecraft can only remain docked to the ISS for 45 days due to fuel capacity limits. If necessary, alternative transport options, such as SpaceX’s Crew Dragon or the Russian Soyuz, can be used to bring the astronauts back to Earth.

The mission has faced significant delays and budget overruns, with the Starliner program exceeding its $4.5 billion NASA budget by $1.5 billion. Despite these challenges, Mark Nappi, Vice President and Program Manager, of Boeing Commercial Crew Program defended the mission, stating that it has provided valuable data for refining the spacecraft for future missions.

Additional Concerns: Space Debris

In an unrelated incident, a defunct Russian satellite broke into over 100 pieces of debris, posing a risk to spacecraft and satellites in crowded orbits. This situation underscores the persistent challenge of controlling space debris and safeguarding space missions.

Latest Updates from NASA

NASA recently reported that the ISS crew, including Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, have been occupied with maintenance and cleaning. The space station is now orbiting a bit higher after the Progress 87 cargo craft fired its thrusters to adjust its path. This adjustment prepares the ISS for the arrival of the Progress 89 cargo ship, expected in mid-August.

Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore have continued their work on the ISS, contributing to various experiments and maintenance tasks while awaiting the resolution of the Starliner’s technical issues. The outcome of this mission will have significant implications for Boeing’s role in NASA’s Commercial Crew Programme and the future of human spaceflight.