Produced by: Tarun Mishra
Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who were originally scheduled to return to Earth shortly after their June 5, 2024, launch, are now facing an extended stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The delay is due to serious complications with their return spacecraft, Boeing's Starliner.
The initial one-week mission has stretched into what could become an eight-month ordeal. The situation has raised concerns about the astronauts' return, with NASA considering alternative options, including the possibility of using SpaceX's Crew Dragon for an unplanned rescue mission.
NASA is now tasked with making a critical decision: whether to attempt to bring the astronauts back using the malfunctioning Starliner or to proceed with a SpaceX rescue mission. The risks associated with the faulty Starliner are significant, making this a high-stakes choice.
One of the potential dangers, as highlighted by Rudy Ridolfi, a former US military space systems commander, is that the Starliner could become stranded in space due to malfunctioning thrusters. If the spacecraft is unable to reenter Earth's atmosphere at the correct angle, it could be left orbiting with only a 96-hour supply of oxygen.
Another serious risk is the possibility that the spacecraft might fail to re-enter the atmosphere altogether. Incorrect alignment during reentry could leave the Starliner in space indefinitely, unable to descend properly back to Earth.
The most dire scenario involves the Starliner reentering the atmosphere at too steep an angle. In this case, the spacecraft’s heat shield could fail under extreme friction and heat, leading to the vehicle burning up before reaching the surface, with the potential loss of the astronauts onboard.
Amid these challenges, there are growing concerns about the health of Sunita Williams, who is reported to be experiencing eyesight issues during her extended stay on the ISS. The situation adds urgency to NASA's decision-making process as they work to ensure the safe return of the astronauts.