Astronauts aboard the International Space Station may have to remain there until 2025 due to issues with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft. Former NASA astronaut Dr. Charles Camarda discusses the challenges and potential solutions.
The Boeing Starliner spacecraft, designed to transport astronauts to and from the International Space Station (ISS), has encountered technical difficulties that have left three astronauts stranded in space. The astronauts, who were scheduled to return to Earth in October, may now have to remain on the ISS until 2025.
According to former NASA astronaut Dr. Charles Camarda, the Starliner's problems stem from a combination of software and hardware issues. The spacecraft's software failed to properly operate during an uncrewed test flight in 2019, and the hardware has also experienced some malfunctions.
Astronauts Stranded in Space: Boeing Faces Challenges in Bringing Them Home
Boeing has been working to resolve the issues, but the process has been slow and challenging. The company has had to make significant design changes to the spacecraft, and it is not yet clear when the Starliner will be ready to fly again.
In the meantime, the astronauts on the ISS are facing an extended stay in space. They have been conducting research and maintenance on the station, but the lack of a reliable return vehicle is causing concern.
Astronauts Stranded in Space: Boeing Faces Challenges in Bringing Them Home
Dr. Camarda believes that Boeing needs to prioritize the safety of the astronauts and ensure that the Starliner is fully tested and functional before it is used to transport humans again. He also suggests that NASA should consider using alternative spacecraft, such as the SpaceX Crew Dragon, to bring the astronauts home.
The Starliner delays have highlighted the importance of having multiple options for transporting astronauts to and from the ISS. NASA currently relies on both Boeing and SpaceX for this service, but the Starliner's problems have demonstrated the need for a more robust and reliable system.
In the coming months, Boeing will continue to work on resolving the Starliner's issues. The company is hoping to conduct another uncrewed test flight later this year, and if that is successful, the spacecraft could be ready to transport astronauts again in 2024. However, it is still possible that the astronauts on the ISS may have to remain there until 2025.
