Two NASA astronauts are stuck in space after experiencing mechanical problems with their Boeing spacecraft.
August 8, 2024, published at 7:23 PM ET
What started as an eight-day mission now has no definitive end in sight.
Two NASA astronauts are stuck in space as the Boeing Starliner spacecraft they are traveling on experiences mechanical problems as they approach the International Space Station (ISS).
Now NASA is trying to find a way to bring them home, with a possible return date of February 2025. RadarOnline.com can reveal.
Article continues below advertisement
Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sun Williams took off in June for an eight-day mission on the Boeing Starliner.
BoeingThe first time we launched astronauts into space didn’t exactly go to plan.
Astronauts Butch Wimore, 61, and Suni Williams, 58, left Earth in June for an eight-day mission. They have now reached the two-month mark in space.
Prior to launch, Wilmore and Williams’ Starliner experience a leak in propulsion related plumbing. Both NASA and Boeing determined that the leak had been isolated and that the launch went according to plan.
Article continues below advertisement
The two-man crew experienced mechanical problems as they approached the ISS.
Article continues below advertisement
As Wilmore and Williams’ spacecraft approached the ISS, the Starliner experienced four more connections — and five thrusters failed. The pair managed to successfully dock with the ISS.
After a series of thrust tests on the ground and in space, engineers have yet to determine a cause the malfunction.
With the crew’s safety at stake, NASA is exploring other ways to bring the astronauts home in a separate craft.
Article continues below advertisement
Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s commercial crew program, said: “Our primary option is to return Butch and Suni to Starliner. However, we have done the necessary planning to ensure we have other options open.”
One possibility is the return of the SpaceX Dragon craft, which is currently docked at the ISS. The only problem? The mission would delay their return until early 2025.
Article continues below advertisement
NASA has considered SpaceX’s Dragon as a possible return option for Wilmore and Williams.
MORE ABOUT:
news
Article continues below advertisement
Like the Starliner, SpaceX’s Dragon is designed to carry four astronauts. On Wednesday, NASA announced that two spots on the craft could be reserved for Wilmore and Williams when it launches next month. If this turns out to be the case, the astronauts will not return home with the Dragon until February 2025.
Should NASA choose to use the Dragon, the Starliner would return to Earth without a crew.
Article continues below advertisement
Ken Bowersox, NASA’s director of space operations, said the likelihood of an unmanned Starliner return has “increased a little bit based on developments over the past two weeks.” That’s why we’re taking a closer look at that option to make sure we can handle it.”
Although the state of the situation is shocking, NASA emphasized that the astronauts are not “stranded” in space.
Article continues below advertisement
A former NASA director said the crew is safe on the ISS for now, with adequate supplies and work.
Article continues below advertisement
On Thursday, a former NASA director said the couple was “kind of stuck” rather than stranded.
Scott Hubbard explained that Wilmore and Williams are safely on board the ISSwho have enough food, supplies and work to fill their time.
As for Wilmore and Williams, the duo expressed his confidence in the agency’s ability to get them home safely – and said the Starliner was “truly impressive”.
Article continues below advertisement
Williams said: “We have been very busy here, fully integrated into the crew. It feels like coming home. It feels good to float around. It feels good to be in space and working here with the International Space Station team. So yeah, it’s great to be here.”
Do you have a tip? Send it to us! E-mail RadarOnline.com bee tips@radaronline.com.
