NASA has provided an update regarding the astronauts stranded on the ISS, acknowledging that it’s time to make a decision on how to bring them back to Earth.
In June, astronauts Barry Wilmore and Suni Williams set off on what was supposed to be an eight-day mission. However, the mission encountered unexpected issues.
During their journey to the International Space Station (ISS), the capsule they were in experienced multiple problems.
The Boeing Starliner faced five helium leaks and five of its maneuvering thrusters failed.
Currently, the astronauts are aboard the ISS with their colleagues, but they lack a viable means to return home.
Despite the situation, Wilmore and Williams are maintaining a positive outlook.
In a recent briefing with reporters, Williams stated: “We’ve been thoroughly busy up here, integrated right into the crew.
“It feels like coming back home. It feels good to float around. It feels good to be in space and work up with the ISS team. So yeah, it’s great to be up here.”
Initially, it was feared the astronauts might only have 72 days at most to survive, but now it’s believed they may not return to Earth until 2025.
Steve Stich, NASA’s Commercial Crew Program manager, recently explained that if tests show it’s too risky to return on Starliner, they might need to come back with SpaceX’s Crew-9 flight.
This alternative won’t be ready until February.
Ken Bowersox, NASA Associate Administrator for Space Operations, shared another update during a teleconference on Wednesday (14 August).
“We’ve had very honest discussions with each other, and I am not surprised the Boeing team are 100% behind their vehicle,” Bowersox revealed during the teleconference.
“But I can also tell you that they want to work with us in a partnership, which the NASA team thinks is important. When we get to a decision, we will work through it together.”
Bowersox added: “It’s getting a lot harder. We’re reaching a point where [by] that last week in August we really should be making a call, if not sooner.
“Butch and Suni are well engaged on the space station. It’s great to be there, enjoying the environment, eating that great space food and being able to look out the window.
“So I know they’re making the best of this time, but I’m sure they’re eager for a decision just like the rest of us.”