Two NASA astronauts who travelled to the International Space Station (ISS) on 5 June are currently stranded due to problems with their spacecraft. They remain uncertain about their return schedule.
#Crew9 launch update:
NASA and @SpaceX are targeting NET Tuesday, Sept. 24, for the launch of the agency’s Crew-9 mission to the @Space_Station.
Info: https://t.co/Or2GNmF4DQ pic.twitter.com/gqskUylORH
— NASA Commercial Crew (@Commercial_Crew) August 6, 2024
NASA is addressing the issue and mentioned on Wednesday that the SpaceX Crew-9 Dragon might be used to bring Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams back if the Boeing Starliner proves unsafe.
Originally, their mission was to conclude in mid-June. However, it has now extended beyond two months due to helium leaks and propulsion issues in the Starliner. Wilmore and Williams identified these problems upon docking at the ISS.
There is no established contingency plan yet. NASA is contemplating the SpaceX Crew-9 mission, scheduled for September, to return Wilmore and Williams. This mission would launch with two astronauts and return in February with four.
New propulsion experts have been consulted to determine the cause of the helium leaks and thruster issues.
The #Paris2024 Olympics are out of this world (literally) 🚀🌎
All the way up in the International Space Station, NASA’s astronauts are also floating through the action. 💥
🎥: @nasa pic.twitter.com/M3inDuW3nZ
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) July 30, 2024
If a contingency plan is approved, NASA may have the Starliner return to Earth autonomously after undocking from the ISS.
Boeing maintains confidence in the Starliner’s safety for bringing the astronauts back.
NASA requires additional time to assess the spacecraft’s maneuvering thrusters, which malfunctioned during its first astronaut-crewed flight to the ISS.