NASA remains uncertain about the optimal return method for astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who have been stranded on the International Space Station (ISS) since June due to spacecraft malfunctions. The agency is evaluating various scenarios, including a contingency plan for an autonomous Starliner return.
NASA faces the ongoing challenge of devising a safe and efficient return strategy for astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who remain stranded on the International Space Station (ISS) following a series of spacecraft malfunctions.
Since their arrival on June 5th aboard Boeing's Starliner vehicle, Wilmore and Williams have been subject to an extended stay beyond their planned mid-month departure. Authorities have been diligently assessing how to repatriate them safely, given the discovery of helium leaks and propulsion issues.
Return of Stranded Astronauts: NASA Weighs Options for Homecoming
Russ DeLoach, NASA's chief of safety and mission assurance, remarked that both astronauts possess extensive familiarity with the ISS, having each completed three prior missions to the orbiting laboratory. While a data analysis is still in progress and expected to conclude by the end of next week, a flight readiness review may commence thereafter.
One potential option under consideration is to return Wilmore and Williams via the NASA SpaceX Crew-9 mission, scheduled for launch in September with two vacant seats. This would allow their return alongside the departure of two new astronauts in February 2025.
Return of Stranded Astronauts: NASA Weighs Options for Homecoming
However, authorities emphasized that this option remains contingent upon further evaluations. Should a contingency plan be approved, the Starliner would likely execute an autonomous undocking and return to Earth.
Boeing, the manufacturer of the Starliner, has expressed confidence in the spacecraft's safety and its ability to safely return the astronauts. NASA, however, requires additional time to thoroughly analyze the vehicle's maneuvering thrusters, which encountered difficulties during its first crewed flight to the ISS.
Return of Stranded Astronauts: NASA Weighs Options for Homecoming
By the last week of August, NASA officials expect to finalize their plan for Wilmore and Williams' return. The decision-making process considers both the astronauts' preferences and the data analysis conducted by ground-based staff.
Fox News contributors Audrey Conklin, Charles Bell, and Jonathan Serrie provided significant contributions to this report.
Return of Stranded Astronauts: NASA Weighs Options for Homecoming
NASA continues to prioritize the safety of Wilmore and Williams while exploring all viable options for their return. Whether they return via the Crew-9 mission or through an autonomous Starliner descent remains to be determined.
