Why is Sunita Williams Stuck in Space?
Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore's return from the ISS is delayed due to technical issues with the Starliner spacecraft.
On 5th June 2024, Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams, 58, embarked on her third mission to space aboard NASA and Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. She was accompanied by American astronaut Barry “Butch” Wilmore. Their mission was to conduct a crewed test flight to the International Space Station (ISS).
The ISS is the largest space station ever built, maintained by five space agencies: NASA (United States), ESA (Europe), CSA (Canada), JAXA (Japan), and Roscosmos (Russia). Its primary purpose is to perform experiments in microgravity and the space environment.
NASA’s goal was to see if Boeing's Starliner spacecraft could be certified for routine missions to and from the ISS. However, shortly after reaching the ISS on 6th June, the spacecraft faced multiple helium gas leaks. The spacecraft has 28 thrusters, with a minimum of 14 needed for a safe return to Earth. Five thrusters initially failed, but four have since been fixed.
Due to these technical challenges, Williams and Wilmore’s return to Earth has been delayed. They were originally scheduled to return on 14th June, but it is now 1st August, and they remain in space. The spacecraft's battery is rated to last 90 days, so time is running out for engineers to diagnose and repair the issue.
Williams and Wilmore are not stranded. They are staying on the ISS with other astronauts, carrying out routine tasks and scientific experiments. They are safe, have access to food, and can communicate with NASA. The ISS is well-stocked for long-term stays and is regularly resupplied by missions from Earth.
Both astronauts have maintained a positive outlook. Williams remarked, “I have a real good feeling in my heart that this spacecraft will bring us home, no problem.”
NASA has refuted claims that the astronauts are "stuck" in space. They are working to resolve the technical issues with the Starliner spacecraft to ensure a safe return for Williams and Wilmore. If the problems cannot be fixed, another spacecraft may be sent to bring them back.
NASA’s Starliner mission had a budget of $4.5 billion, but costs have already exceeded by $1.5 billion, facing numerous delays. The ongoing complications will only add to Boeing’s financial burden.
Williams and Wilmore, along with the ISS crew, continue to perform important space research and tasks, including changing a pump on a machine that processes urine into drinking water and conducting gene sequencing experiments. Their resilience and dedication highlight the spirit of space exploration.
