Stuck in Space: Will NASA’s Astronauts Ever Make It Back to Earth?

An Overview.

NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore have been stranded aboard the International Space Station (ISS) since June 2024, far beyond their originally planned eight-day mission - a high-stakes test flight. The situation results from significant malfunctions onboard their transport vessel - the Boeing Starliner spacecraft, a key part of NASA's Commercial Crew Program designed to transport astronauts to and from the ISS.

The primary issues with Starliner include leaks in its propulsion system and the failure of five thrusters, which are critical for maneuvering the spacecraft during re-entry to Earth's atmosphere. These technical difficulties have left NASA with no choice but to delay the astronauts' return, extending their mission indefinitely while engineers on the ground work to resolve the issues remotely. As of August 19th, NASA is still deliberating whether to bring the astronauts back using the Starliner or to pivot, using a SpaceX Dragon capsule as an alternative return vehicle.

Timeline

• June 1, 2024: Launch of Starliner Mission NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore launch aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, headed for the ISS. The mission is planned for just over a week.

  
  

• June 6, 2024: Docking with ISS Starliner successfully docks with the ISS. The astronauts begin their planned tasks, expecting to return to Earth shortly.

  
  

• June 8, 2024: Mission Extension The mission duration is extended due to unanticipated issues with the Starliner, including propulsion leaks and thruster failures, which prevent a safe return.

  
  

• July 2024: Continued Delays NASA postpones decisions on how to bring the astronauts back, opting to keep them on the ISS while engineers attempt to troubleshoot and resolve the Starliner’s issues remotely.

  
  

• August 9, 2024: Boeing Statement Boeing asserts confidence in the Starliner's design but acknowledges the ongoing problems. They indicate readiness to support an uncrewed return of the spacecraft if NASA opts for that course.

  
  

• August 14, 2024: NASA Press Conference NASA confirms that the astronauts are safe and in good spirits despite the delays. Discussions are ongoing about whether to bring the astronauts back using the Starliner or transfer them to a SpaceX Dragon capsule. The final decision is expected by the end of August.

  
  

• Late August 2024: Expected Decision NASA plans to conclude its analysis and decide the best course of action to ensure the astronauts' safe return, possibly extending their stay on the ISS until early 2025 if necessary.

Both Williams and Wilmore are seasoned astronauts, each with extensive experience in space missions. Despite the unexpected extension of their mission, NASA reports that the astronauts are in good spirits and continue to perform their duties aboard the ISS.

NASA’s Astronaut Office has emphasized that such delays, while challenging, are part of the risks astronauts are trained to manage. The space agency is taking a cautious approach, prioritizing the astronauts' safety over a hasty return, and is expected to finalize their decision by the end of August 2024​.