Two Astronauts sent on 8-day mission may be stuck in space until Feb 2025
NASA authorities have revealed that two astronauts may not be able to return from the International Space Station (ISS) until 2025.
They were launched into orbit at the start of June by the Boeing Starliner capsule, but as of right now, it is unable to bring them back to Earth safely. Therefore, the US government might reach out to Elon Musk and his business SpaceX. However, in the event that Starliner is unable to return from the International Space Station, the two may make a comeback on SpaceX’s Crew Dragon in February 2025.
NASA’s associate administrator for the space operations mission directorate, Ken Bowersox, stated, “We could take either path.” “And reasonable people could choose either path based on their viewpoint, our position, and the degree of uncertainty in the data we have on the propulsion system and thruster system.”
Fox16 reports that Starliner’s test crew flight was launched on June 5 following several delays brought on by leaks and thruster problems. This was the organization’s first crewed space mission launch.
Five of the 28 thrusters failed during the attempt to dock at the International Space Station in June. There is still no official return date for Wiliams and Wilmore following the problems, even though the mission was originally only meant to run for roughly eight days.
According to NASA, discussions have been held with SpaceX to allow them to reserve two seats for their upcoming Crew Dragon mission in September, perhaps leading to a return the following year. According to Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s commercial crew program, returning the astronauts on Starliner is the best course of action.
Stich stated, “You know, returning Butch and Suni on Starliner is our top priority.” But we have made the necessary preparations to guarantee that we have backup plans, and as such, we have been collaborating with SpaceX to make sure they are prepared to react on Crew Nine in case we need to return Butch and Suni.
“We have set up the Dragon for Crew Nine to have flexibility, to have only two passengers fly up on that flight, and then we could return four crew members in the February 2025, timeframe,” he added.