Sunita Williams, Buch Wilmore could be stuck in space for eight months: NASA
Astronaut Sunita Williams poses infront of NASA office.
NASA on Wednesday (August 14) addressed a press conference on Sunita Williams and Barry 'Butch' Wilmore, the two astronauts who are currently stuck on the International Space Station (ISS). The two veteran astronauts were launched into space on June 5 for a mission expected to last eight days. But they have been in space for more than two months as the Boeing Starliner is mired over thruster problems and several helium leaks.
One potential option being considered by NASA to get the astronauts back to Earth is to attach them to a SpaceX Crew Dragon mission that is scheduled to launch in September, and return them to Earth with that mission in February 2025.
That plan would mean the astronauts would spend more than eight months – rather than eight days – aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
Also watch |Boeing Curse: Sunita Williams' return to earth pushed to 2025?
If the SpaceX Crew Dragon is used, the Boeing Starliner craft would be returned to Earth without any crew, under computer control.
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Here's a summary of what NASA said:
1. NASA claimed that both astronauts are "doing great" and have been keeping busy on the International Space Station. Both veterans are reportedly mentally and physically prepared for unexpected turns on a space mission.
2. The US space agency added that discussions are now being done on whether the crew can return on the Boeing Starliner, the spacecraft that they used to fly there, or would have to return on a SpaceX vehicle.
3. The two could remain in space for eight months if they do have to wait to return on a SpaceX flight. One issue is that of the space suits. The ones Sunita and Buch are wearing are not fit for use on a SpaceX flight, and they would have to return unsuited in that case which would exacerbate the risks to their way back to Earth.
4. NASA said it still has confidence in the Starliner craft, and that it could still be used to return home in case of an emergency.
5. A decision will be made on the astronaut's return by the end of August, though there's no sharp cut-off date.