NASA is expected to make a decision by the end of August when and how to return the two astronauts stuck in the space station
NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sonny Williams arrived at the orbiting laboratory on June 6 aboard a Boeing Starliner spacecraft, after taking off on June 5 from Launch Complex 41 at the Cape Canaveral Space Station in Florida.
During the Starliner's flight to the space station, engineers noticed that some of the spacecraft's propulsion systems were not working as expected and several leaks were also observed in the Starliner's helium system. The engineering teams at NASA and Boeing have since performed several tests of the thrust capabilities of the engines and examined the data in depth to better understand the nature of the malfunction. While the engineers are working on solving the technical problems before returning the Starliner to Earth, the astronauts are busy working together with Mission 71, performing scientific research and maintenance activities.
NASA now plans to conduct two tests — a program control panel and an agency flight readiness review — before deciding how to safely return Wilmore Williams from the station. NASA expects to make a decision on the way forward by the end of August.
Here you will find some frequently asked questions about the mission.
What is the manned test flight of NASA and Boeing?
The NASA-Boeing manned test flight launched on June 5 is the first flight of the Starliner spacecraft to the International Space Station with astronauts. The purpose of the test flight is to prove that the system is ready for orbit missions to the space station. NASA wants two American spacecraft, in addition to Roscosmos' Soyuz spacecraft, to be able to carry astronauts, to ensure a permanent crew presence on the station.
What are the objectives of the manned test flight?
The purpose of the test flight is to prove that the Starliner spacecraft can perform six-month orbiting missions on the space station. The goals of the flight were defined to support NASA's approval process and collect performance data needed to assess readiness for long-duration flights.
Why does the manned test flight stay on the space station longer than planned?
During the Starliner's flight to the space station, some of the spacecraft's propulsion systems did not work as expected and several leaks were observed in its helium system. While the initial mission was planned for a week, there is no immediate need to return the crew home, so NASA and Boeing are using the extra time to learn about the spacecraft. This is a lesson learned from the Space Shuttle Columbia accident. NASA and Boeing teams are reviewing the data from the additional tests in space and on the ground, providing mission managers with data to make the safest decision about how and when to return the crew.
If there is an emergency on the space station, how will Butch and Sonny get home?
Starliner remains the primary option for Butch and Sonny should there be an emergency and they need to quickly leave the station. There is no urgent need to return them home, and NASA is using the extra time to understand the spacecraft's technical issues before making a decision on a return plan.
How long can Butch and Sonny stay on the station if they don't get back on the Starliner?
If NASA decides to return the Starliner without a crew, Butch and Sonny will remain on the station until the end of February 2025. NASA will change the SpaceX Crew-9 mission plan and launch only two crew members instead of four in late September. Butch and Sonny will return to Earth after Crew-9's scheduled stint early next year.
Can a Starliner fly without astronauts?
Yes, Starliner can detach from the station and land autonomously, if NASA decides to return the spacecraft unmanned.
Can NASA launch a Dragon spacecraft of SpaceX To bring back Butch and Sonny?
If NASA decides to return them aboard SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft, it will change the Crew-9 mission plan and launch only two crew members at the end of September instead of four. Butch and Sonny will return to Earth after Crew-9's scheduled stint early next year.
Why does NASA need two different spacecraft to transport crew members to the space station?
The primary goal of NASA's Commercial Crew Program is to provide two unique manned flight systems. If one of the systems encounters a problem, NASA will still have the ability to launch and return crews to ensure safety and continued human presence on the International Space Station.
Are Butch and Sonny stuck on the space station?
No, Butch and Sonny are safe on the space station and working alongside Mission Team 71. They were also involved in the Starliner tests and technical meetings. Butch and Sonny can return home aboard a Starliner in case of an emergency. In addition, the agency has other options to return if necessary, both in emergency scenarios and in normal return planning.
Are Sonny and Butch ready for a longer stay at the station?
Butch and Sonny have previously completed two extended stays at the station. NASA astronauts go on missions knowing in advance the various scenarios that may happen. This mission is no different, and they were aware of the unexpected possibilities and mishaps involved in this test flight, including the possibility of staying on station for longer than planned.
Compared to other missions on the space station, how long are Butch and Sonny going to stay on the station?
A typical stay on the International Space Station lasts about 6 months, and NASA astronauts have also stayed on the station for longer missions. Previous missions have provided NASA with large amounts of data on the effects of prolonged space travel on the human body, and the agency applies this information to each manned mission.
Do astronauts have everything they need (food, clothing, oxygen, personal items, etc.)?
Yes, the International Space Station is equipped with everything the crew needs, including food, water, clothing and oxygen. In addition, NASA and its space station partners regularly launch resupply missions to the orbiting station, bringing additional materials and payloads.
Recently, Northrop Grumman's Cygnus spacecraft, which brought about 4 tons of food, fuel, supplies and equipment for scientific experiments, arrived at the station together with the supply spacecraft "Progress" which brought three tons of cargo. NASA has additional SpaceX delivery missions planned through the end of 2024.
What are they doing on the space station?
The team continues to monitor Starliner's flight systems and collect performance data for system certification. NASA is also taking advantage of Butch and Sonny's extra time on the orbiting station, where they completed various science experiments, maintenance tasks and helped prepare for a spacewalk. Some of the experiments they have recently completed include new ways of making optical fibers and growing plants on the orbiting station.
Can they talk to their family and friends?
Butch and Sonny enjoy many of the comforts we have here on Earth. They can send emails, make calls and consult with family and friends via video when they have free time on the International Space Station.
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One response
And maybe it's time to move to a new concept of manned spaceships. Spaceships capable of taking off from any airport and landing at any airport like airplanes. The beginning of such a perception was in English in the 90s. This is a spaceship whose name
HOTOL - Horizontal Take Off and Landing. This is a spaceship that takes off like an airplane and at the appropriate altitude the engines change from jet engines to rocket engines. At this stage the engines use the gas tanks in the spacecraft to continue the flight. These are actually hybrid engines. Development of the spacecraft was stopped due to budget constraints.