Exciting New Ride Home: NASA Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore Receive SpaceX Capsule at ISS
SpaceX Dragon Capsule Rescues Stranded ISS Astronauts
After months of uncertainty, two astronauts stranded aboard the International Space Station (ISS) since June have finally received their return transport. On Sunday, a SpaceX Dragon capsule successfully docked with the ISS, delivering the crucial shuttle that will bring them back to Earth next year, as reported by the Associated Press.
The rescue mission, launched by SpaceX on Saturday, carried two astronauts to the ISS and left two seats open for Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams, whose return was delayed due to safety concerns with Boeing’s Starliner. The Starliner, originally designated for their return trip, faced significant issues during its initial crewed test flight, including thruster failures and helium leaks. This led NASA to deem the spacecraft too risky, resulting in its empty return to Earth earlier this month.
Wilmore and Williams, initially scheduled for a brief week-long mission, will now have spent over eight months in space by the time they return. The Dragon capsule will remain docked at the ISS until February, ensuring their safe return. The arrival of the SpaceX capsule also means that the four-person crew that has been on board since March will soon return to Earth, their departure having been delayed by complications with the Starliner.
NASA remains committed to Boeing despite the setbacks. Jim Free, NASA’s associate administrator, emphasized, "We’re a long way from saying, ‘Hey, we’re writing off Boeing.’" Inspections and post-flight data reviews of the Starliner are ongoing.
While the rescue mission launch was largely successful, SpaceX encountered a minor hitch. The rocket’s upper stage failed to hit its target impact zone in the Pacific due to engine issues. Consequently, SpaceX has paused further Falcon launches until the glitch is resolved.
Original Story https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/science/nasa-astronauts-receive-new-ride-home-as-spacex-dragon-capsule-arrives-at-iss/articleshow/113794605.cms
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