Lagatar24 Desk
Houston: NASA astronaut Sunita Williams’ mission aboard Boeing’s Starliner may extend significantly beyond its planned duration. Initially scheduled for a 10-day stay at the International Space Station (ISS), the mission could now last up to eight months due to technical difficulties with the spacecraft.
Launched in June, the Boeing Starliner has faced persistent issues, including glitches in its propulsion system and helium leaks. As a result, NASA announced on Wednesday that if the Starliner remains unfit for a safe return, astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore might return on SpaceX’s Crew Dragon in February 2025.
Williams and Wilmore arrived at the ISS on June 6, and while they are currently safe and well-supplied, the delay has prompted NASA to consider alternative return options. All nine astronauts aboard the ISS have ample food and resources, but timely return remains a priority.
The Starliner mission, which was intended as a crucial test before NASA can certify the spacecraft for regular flights, has faced delays due to the propulsion issues. Boeing and NASA are working diligently to address these problems.
During her extended stay, Sunita Williams, a veteran astronaut on her third space mission, has been involved in research on fluid physics and plant growth in microgravity. This research, akin to space gardening, is essential for future space exploration and establishing bases beyond Earth.
NASA continues to monitor the situation closely and will update on potential changes to the mission’s timeline.
