NASA will decide by the end of August how to bring home astronauts Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams, who are stranded on the International Space Station (ISS) after a malfunction in Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft.
Wilmore and Williams launched to the ISS on June 5 aboard the Starliner for what was supposed to be an eight-day mission. However, a thruster malfunction left them unable to return as planned. NASA is analyzing the thruster data, which are crucial for safely returning the spacecraft to Earth.
“We’re reaching a point where that last week in August we really should be making a call, if not sooner,” said Ken Bowersox, Associate Administrator of NASA’s Space Operations Mission Directorate. Safety chief Russ DeLoach added, “We don’t have enough insight and data to make some sort of simple, black-and-white calculation.”
The extended stay on the ISS, which might last until 2025, raises concerns about increased exposure to space radiation and the effects of prolonged microgravity. The ISS orbits 400 km above Earth, where radiation levels are significantly higher than on the planet’s surface, posing health risks such as cancer and tissue damage. Prolonged exposure to microgravity also leads to bone and muscle loss.
Despite these challenges, the astronauts remain optimistic. Williams, during a press conference, shared her observations of a hurricane from space, while Wilmore expressed confidence in their eventual return, highlighting the team’s adaptability.
NASA continues to work on contingency plans, with Steve Stich, Manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, confirming ongoing preparations with SpaceX. The final decision on the return strategy is still pending.
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