Two Nasa astronauts from the US, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, embarked on a eight-day space mission on June 5 to the International Space Station (ISS) aiming to test-fly Boeing’s brand-new Starliner spacecraft. However, they encountered some problems before they could reach the station. Their vehicle started leaking helium, which is essential for thrusters to function, and five of their thrusters failed. Despite the obstacles, the capsule managed to dock safely to the ISS, however, the thruster malfunction still remains unresolved, making it risky to rely on Starliner to bring back the astronauts. The astronauts are currently stuck on the space station while officials are considering several scenarios to rescue them; including the involvement of SpaceX, Boeing’s rival under NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. Nasa is considering the option of flying the spacecraft back empty while a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft flight, originally scheduled for September to carry a crew of four on a six-month station mission, could be adjusted to launch with just two astronauts on board, leaving the other two seats empty to bring Williams and Wilmore home. However, this move can further delay the astronauts’ return to 2025 as station missions are required to last a minimum of six months. Officials also noted that the astronauts’ space suits are specifically designed for the Staliner spacecraft and are not compatible with alternative spacecraft. If they were to return on the SpaceX flight, they would have to do so without wearing SpaceX-specific suits, which can increase risks. One reporter asked if astronauts could perform a spacewalk to work on the thrusters and the agency’s chief astronaut replied that they are not considering that option because the problem is beyond astronauts ability to resolve it.
There is still no clear return date in sight. The US space agency said in a press conference last week that they aim to make a final decision by the end of August and they have to rush because Starliner's batteries only last 45 days. After that, they can only handle a couple of recharges from the station before completely failing. NASA officials have enlisted external propulsion experts to analyze data from the malfunctioning craft. However, the thrusters cannot be recovered because the part they are located burns up in the atmosphere during reentry. This makes it impossible to conduct a thorough investigation of the thrusters after the mission, so NASA relies on data gathered before the service module is lost. The space station is now accommodating nine astronauts. Besides Wilmore and Williams there are three Russians and four other Americans on board and some of them now sleep on the floor in special modules because the station is equipped with only six sleep chambers. All the astronauts on the space station have enough supplies and work to do and they are completely safe. Last week, a resupply vehicle arrived at the station carrying hardware, fresh food and fresh clothes for the Starliner crew. According to NASA the astronauts are not stranded and in a case of emergency Starliner could still be used as a lifeboat. Boeing also insists that the Starliner capsule is able to safely bring the astronauts home but the company said last week they would support bringing the capsule back empty if that is NASA’s decision. Boeing had to overcome several Starliner problems over the years which cost them more than $1 billion. The company had to launch the Starliner twice without a crew as the initial flight test was marred by software problems and other issues, necessitating a repeat. It would be embarrassing for Boeing if the two astronauts return on a SpaceX craft, wearing SpaceX suits.
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