Washington, Aug 15: NASA is still deliberating whether astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams should remain at the International Space Station (ISS) for an extended period, with their return possibly delayed until early 2025. According to an Associated Press report, the duo might return to Earth aboard SpaceX’s next mission instead of Boeing’s Starliner capsule, which has faced several technical issues.
Initially scheduled for a brief mission, Wilmore and Williams have seen their stay at the ISS stretch out due to numerous setbacks with Boeing’s Starliner, including thruster malfunctions and helium leaks since their launch in June 2024. These complications have led NASA to consider alternative options, including SpaceX, whose spacecraft might be used to bring them back home if Boeing’s capsule is deemed unfit for the journey.
NASA officials stated that a final decision would be made by next week after further review of the situation. Meanwhile, tests continue on the Starliner to resolve the ongoing issues. If the switch to SpaceX is confirmed, it could impact the schedule of another planned mission, as SpaceX’s Dragon capsule would need to be reallocated to accommodate Wilmore and Williams.
A significant logistical challenge is the limited docking capacity at the ISS, which has only two spots available for US capsules. Therefore, Boeing’s Starliner must leave before SpaceX’s Dragon can arrive. Boeing has maintained that the Starliner is capable of safely bringing the astronauts back to Earth and has released a list of recent tests conducted both in space and on the ground.
If SpaceX’s mission is used, it could delay the return of the current ISS crew, whose mission was already extended by seven months due to the uncertainty surrounding the Starliner.
Wilmore and Williams, both experienced space travelers and retired Navy captains, have been performing their duties on the ISS, assisting with scientific experiments and station maintenance. Their mission, originally intended to last a few months, could now extend into February 2025 if they are ultimately returned via SpaceX.
