The Challenges of Bringing Astronauts Home From the ISS

NASA’s plan to bring astronauts Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams home from the International Space Station has hit a roadblock due to multiple issues with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft. Originally scheduled to return after a week aboard the ISS, the astronauts have been stuck in orbit for over two months. The delays have been caused by thruster failures, helium leaks, and concerns about the safety of the vehicle.

Boeing’s Struggles

Boeing’s Starliner program has faced significant delays and cost overruns, with the June crewed test flight being postponed for seven years. The recent setbacks with the spacecraft have further tarnished Boeing’s reputation, especially after a door plug exploded during a flight and the company pleaded guilty to a criminal fraud charge. The reliance on SpaceX’s Crew-9 mission as a backup plan highlights the challenges Boeing has faced in delivering a reliable spacecraft for crewed missions.

Tests conducted at NASA’s White Sands Test Facility have identified deformed Teflon seals as a potential cause of the thruster failures on the Starliner spacecraft. NASA is currently evaluating whether it is safe to use the Boeing spacecraft for the astronauts’ return journey. While Starliner remains NASA’s preferred solution, the agency is also considering SpaceX’s Crew-9 mission as an alternative option.

If Boeing’s Starliner is deemed unsafe for the astronauts’ return, SpaceX will send a two-person crew to the ISS on a late September launch. This would free up two spots for Wilmore and Williams to return to Earth in February of next year. Boeing will need to reconfigure the Starliner craft to ensure it can return uncrewed ahead of the SpaceX Crew-9 launch.

The challenges faced by NASA in bringing astronauts back from the ISS highlight the complexities involved in human spaceflight. Technical issues, delays, and the need for contingency plans underscore the risks and uncertainties of space travel. As space agencies continue to push the boundaries of exploration, it is crucial to address these challenges and ensure the safety of astronauts on their journey back to Earth.