Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams embarked on a mission to the International Space Station (ISS) on June 5 to test-fly the Boeing Starliner crew capsule with human crew members. However, what was supposed to be an eight-day mission has extended to eight months, with their return now delayed to 2025 due to Starliner’s helium leak and malfunctioning thrusters. The likelihood of their return aboard the Starliner seems slim.
Currently, nine astronauts are on the ISS as part of Expedition 71, including Williams, Wilmore, and others. Given the Starliner issues, Williams and Wilmore are extending their stay, potentially until Crew-9’s Dragon mission in 2024 if Starliner is not operational.
The ISS remains well-stocked with supplies, thanks to recent deliveries by Progress MS-28 and Cygnus NG-21 cargo ships. These missions brought essential items like food, clothing, fuel, medical supplies, and scientific equipment, ensuring the crew’s needs are met.
With the ISS having limited sleeping pods and facilities, ‘survival’ adjustments are routine. Extra crew members improvise sleeping arrangements and follow strict exercise regimens to counteract muscle and bone loss in orbit.
Historically, astronauts have had to extend their ISS missions due to technical issues and unexpected events. Similar incidents have occurred in the past, including extended stays due to spacecraft malfunctions and political crises.
Should Starliner remain grounded, NASA plans to integrate Williams and Wilmore into Expedition 72 and have them return with Crew-9 Dragon. This contingency ensures their safe return in early 2025.
The situation highlights the complex and often unpredictable nature of space missions, demonstrating NASA’s adaptability in managing extended stays and ensuring astronaut safety.
Original Story https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/sunita-and-barry-will-be-on-the-iss-longer-than-expected-what-next/article68545405.ece
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