NASA's Sunita Williams barred from using Boeing Starliner suit in SpaceX's Crew Dragon
Produced by: Tarun Mishra
Unexpected Hurdle for Astronauts
NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore face a complication as Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, now departing the International Space Station (ISS) empty, leaves them stranded in space.
Starliner Suit Incompatibility
The issue arises from the incompatibility of Boeing’s Starliner spacesuits with SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft. NASA's commercial crew manager, Steve Stich, has confirmed that the suits worn by Williams and Wilmore do not fit the Crew Dragon’s requirements.
Starliner's Departure
Boeing’s Starliner, initially intended to return the astronauts, is being sent back to Earth without a crew due to propulsion system issues. The spacecraft's departure is set for Friday, leaving Williams and Wilmore relying on alternative plans for their return.
Emergency Evacuation Plan
To address the situation, NASA has designated a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft, which recently completed the Crew-8 mission, as an emergency evacuation vehicle. This spacecraft will remain docked at the ISS for several weeks as a backup.
Suit Compatibility Issue
According to Stich, the Starliner suits are not compatible with the Crew Dragon. Therefore, the astronauts will face a temporary lack of suitable spacesuits for emergency situations on Crew Dragon.
Current Crew and Space Suits
The Crew-8 mission includes four astronauts, each with their own spacesuit. In the event of an emergency, Williams and Wilmore would be positioned on a cargo pallet below the Crew Dragon’s seats next to the Crew-8 astronauts.
Future Adjustments
SpaceX's Crew-9 mission will be launched earlier than planned to accommodate the stranded astronauts. Crew-9 will carry only two astronauts to make space for Williams and Wilmore. A suitable spacesuit for Wilmore will be sent to the ISS with Crew-9.
SpaceX Suit Availability
Williams will use a SpaceX suit already available on the ISS, while a new suit for Wilmore will be delivered with Crew-9. This adjustment aims to resolve the current compatibility issue.
Mission Extension
Originally planned for a 7-day mission, Williams and Wilmore will remain on the ISS until February 2025, when NASA plans their return. The situation underscores the complexities involved in space missions and the need for precise coordination between different space agencies and contractors.