- Spacecraft mishap and return arrangements for astronauts: What's the solution?
On the International Space Station (ISS) for nearly a week, astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore have been making themselves at home. However, their spacecraft is experiencing some issues. Over three months into their mission, it remains unknown how they'll return to Earth. NASA is under pressure to resolve this issue by the end of the month.
Williams spent quality time with her dogs before embarking on the June journey, while Wilmore tended to his lawn. Everything seemed ordinary until things took an unexpected turn.
The problem at hand is known as "Starliner". Despite safely reaching the ISS on the first manned test flight of the spacecraft, issues such as helium leaks and engine problems arose. The mid-June return flight was consequently canceled, leaving the astronauts stuck on the space station.
NASA and Boeing are now grappling with a difficult question: can Williams and Wilmore safely return to Earth on the "Starliner"? For the past few weeks, teams have been conducting tests and investigations, both in space and on Earth, but a clear solution has yet to surface. While the teams have been working diligently, NASA manager Ken Bowersox acknowledges the difficult conversations that have ensued.
Two potential solutions are under consideration: the risky return with the "Starliner" or switching to a "Crew Dragon" flight. To proceed with the former, the engine and helium leak issues would need to be addressed, a task that has yet to be accomplished.
In the alternative, the "Starliner" could make its way back to Earth without the astronauts, necessitating substantial software reconfiguration. The launch of "Crew 9" with the "Crew Dragon" from SpaceX, initially scheduled for August but later pushed back to September, would then proceed with only two astronauts instead of four. Williams and Wilmore would be a part of this crew, likely returning to Earth in early 2025. However, they would require specialized spacesuits as those from the "Starliner" are not compatible with the "Crew Dragon". NASA and SpaceX have yet to reveal the crew members who wouldn't be making the trip in this scenario.
"Data-driven decision"
"We want this decision to be based on data, not emotions," emphasizes NASA manager Ken Bowersox. Ultimately, the decision lies with NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, who reaffirms the top priority being the safety of the astronauts.
Williams and Wilmore are bracing themselves for an extended stay on the ISS. They could potentially return to Earth on the "Starliner" as early as September or with the "Crew Dragon" in February, making their initial week-long stay approximately nine months long. Both astronauts are well-prepared and versatile, according to NASA. They are actively involved in all discussions and are ready to do whatever is necessary, says NASA manager Steve Stich.
Meanwhile, food consumption levels have increased, and more cockroaches have been spotted on the ISS.
"With a test flight like this, one is always prepared for the possibility of an extended stay," says NASA manager Joel Montalbano. "But they're doing well, they're fully integrated with the rest of the crew and just as busy as any other crew up there. Of course, they're human, and this ordeal is challenging for both the crew members and their families. But they're professional astronauts and they're performing admirably."
Williams and Wilmore are a valuable asset on board the ISS, according to NASA - but they also consume additional resources such as food and hygiene items. Furthermore, they are now exposed to higher radiation levels than originally anticipated for a longer duration.
Is the "Starliner"'s future secure?
Amidst the concerns about the astronauts, the future of the "Starliner" is also under scrutiny. Developed and built by aerospace company Boeing for NASA, it was supposed to regularly transport astronauts to the ISS by now - serving as a reliable alternative to SpaceX's "Crew Dragon".
But the partially reusable spacecraft, consisting of a crew capsule and a service module, is currently facing significant challenges. The spacecraft failed to reach the ISS during its initial unmanned test in 2019, while a second attempt succeeded in 2022. However, problems have since mounted and led to numerous delays.
"We have a vision of having two alternative transportation systems," insist both NASA manager Bowersox and Boeing. "The problems can be solved, and then I see a promising future for the 'Starliner.'" Both Boeing and NASA continue to espouse this belief - along with Bowersox's admiration for the Boeing team. At the same time, Bowersox highlights the importance of data-led decision making.
The astronauts' anticipated return journey on the "Starliner" remains uncertain due to the engine and helium leak issues, causing concern for NASA and Boeing. If they choose to return with the "Starliner", these problems must be resolved first.
NASA currently has a potential solution in mind, suggesting a "Crew Dragon" flight as an alternative, which could involve astronauts Williams and Wilmore joining a smaller crew due to the "Starliner's" incompatibility with the "Crew Dragon."
