NASA to Decide Astronauts Return
- NASA is on the verge of deciding how and when to bring two astronauts back from the International Space Station.
- Two astronauts might be stuck at the space station until next year as a decision is imminent.
- The fate of the astronauts' return from the space station remains uncertain.
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — Two NASA astronauts, Wilmore and Williams, may remain at the International Space Station (ISS) until next year due to ongoing issues with their Boeing Starliner capsule. The spacecraft's thrusters, essential for a safe deorbit burn, are currently inoperative, raising concerns about the astronauts' return. However, NASA has dismissed claims that the astronauts are stranded, emphasizing that the Starliner can serve as a lifeboat in emergencies. In the event of a critical situation at the ISS, such as a fire or decompression, Wilmore and Williams could utilize the Starliner to evacuate. If necessary, they would prepare seats in the SpaceX Dragon capsule already docked at the station. Once the Starliner's docking port is vacated, SpaceX could launch another Dragon to bring the astronauts back to Earth, potentially displacing two of the four astronauts scheduled to launch in late September. Both astronauts, aged 61 and 58, entered this test flight with the expectation of gaining valuable insights into the Starliner's operations. Recently, a U.S. supply ship delivered essential supplies, including clothing and food, to support the nine-person crew aboard the ISS. Boeing remains confident in the Starliner's capabilities, stating that they are prepared to fly the capsule back empty if NASA decides that is the best course of action, despite previous setbacks that required the company to conduct two uncrewed test flights.