NSA Astronauts Barry “Butch” Wilmore, 60, and Sunita Williams, 58, are stuck at the International Space Station as their spacecraft, Boeing’s Starliner, undergoes numerous malfunctions. According to the Associated Press, the spacecraft was launched on June 5 which is the first to board people. The team decided to go on with the mission despite a leak in its propulsion-related plumbing. On the subsequent day, the two astronauts also informed four more leaks and falling of five thrusters, a device used to accelerate and uphold the station. Since then the duo has been stuck in space without any further information. Let’s check out the entire facts of this story.
Astronauts Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams might have to remain at the space station until 2025
As per the reports, the NSA is currently figuring out whether Starliner is able to get back on Earth or until a SpaceX Dragon craft can safely rescue them. If they opted for the latter that means the astronauts have to wait there till 2025.
However, Boeing, believing that the spacecraft is fit, brings Williams and Willmore back. They said in a recent statement, “CFT is currently a crewed mission, and we still believe in Starliner’s capability and its flight rationale. If NASA decides to change the mission, we will take the actions necessary to configure Starliner for an uncrewed return.”
At an Aug, 7 press conference, per the BBC NASA officials revealed no official decision has been made for the next steps. There are also difficulties regarding the matter of cost and seat availability. Due to the acquisition of the other spacecraft by the astronauts of other missions. Along with Williams and Willmore, four other Americans and three Russians are also aboard the International Space Station.
On the other hand, if the Streamliner is found unfit to bring them back the SpaceX Dragon will be sent with only two astronauts on the mission to save space for Wilmore and Williams on its four-person spacecraft.
For now, neither of the astronauts has addressed the possibility of staying in space till 2025. The astronauts who have been both retired Navy captains have “long” space missions waiting for them.
In 2016, Williams shared her experience of space expeditions in an interview with India Today. She said, “After maybe a week of going up there, it feels like you’ve been there your whole life. It feels natural.”
Let’s pray for their safe return.
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