NASA's New Rescue Mission: Astronauts Stuck in Orbital Layover

NASA's New Rescue Mission: Astronauts Stuck in Orbital Layover

3 minute read
Published: 8/16/2024

NASA's indecision on how to bring back stranded astronauts Wilmore and Williams from the ISS creates a space drama worthy of Hollywood: Starliner issues, suitless returns, and potential holiday delays until February 2025.

Caught between a rock and a space place, NASA is facing a challenging decision on how to safely bring back astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who have been marooned on the ISS since early June due to critical malfunctions on their Boeing Starliner. Options include a risky return on the beleaguered spacecraft or waiting for a SpaceX rescue mission, which could involve a whole new level of suspense – a suitless re-entry. With engineers crunching numbers and sifting through heaps of data, the fate of our spacefarers hinges on NASA's quest for absolute safety, a reflection of painful lessons learned from past tragedies.

Wilmore and Williams were originally slated to return just eight days after their arrival on June 5. The duo, part of the first crewed test flight of the Boeing Starliner, has now been on the ISS for months due to unforeseen issues with their spacecraft, including thruster failures and helium leaks. It seems their spaceship decided space was too lovely to leave so soon. These complications have delayed NASA's plans, forcing the agency to explore alternative ways to ensure their safe return.

Boeing remains optimistic about the integrity of their vessel. They are adamant that the Starliner is still fit for duty, but their confidence does little to alleviate NASA’s apprehensions. Engineers are buried in extensive data analyses to discern the real deal about the Starliner's safety. A decision—one that hopefully prioritizes more than just corporate pride—is anticipated by the end of next week or, if the lunar winds are just right, by the beginning of the following week.

However, the proposed alternatives aren't exactly a cakewalk either. One option is to defer to SpaceX’s Crew-9 Dragon capsule, thereby extending the astronauts’ stay in space until February 2025. That might make for a stellar view of the New Year's celebrations from orbit, but it’s hardly the Holiday break Wilmore and Williams had envisioned.

Adding to the drama is the suitless odyssey that would accompany their return on the Crew-9. The astronauts would have to leave behind the suits designed for the Starliner, resulting in a rather understated return attire-wise. Perhaps they could start a new trend in interstellar fashion, but the idea of coming back 'au naturel' isn't exactly charming.

Should NASA opt for the SpaceX lifeline, it would necessitate a bit of cosmic traffic-management. The arrival of Crew-9, delayed to ensure a vacant docking port, will not be happening any sooner than September 24. That’s a date that might be written in the stars, but it’s not set in stone as mission schedules are notoriously fickle.

While the logistics are hashed out, Wilmore and Williams—far from frittering away their extended layover—have thrown themselves into life aboard the ISS. From running high-flying experiments to fixing astro-widgets, they’ve embraced the routine of space life. Reports affirm they’re doing great, which is the space equivalent of 'keep calm and carry on.'

In the backdrop of these operational headaches lies a somber reflection on lessons learned from the Challenger and Columbia shuttle disasters. NASA’s decision-making apparatus now prioritizes room for all opinions, ensuring that dissenting voices aren’t overpowered. One could say this cosmic democratic process might just save the day, reinforcing the notion that in space, no voice should be left unheard.

If the Starliner’s destiny takes a less occupied turn by having its astronauts hitch a ride with SpaceX, the spacecraft may make its homecoming solo. An automated undocking and return could provide a low-stakes trial run for the Starliner, sans the precious human cargo.

The stakes are high, but the quest for a cautious, well-vetted decision underscores NASA’s commitment to safety above all else. There’s no shortcut to avoiding another shuttle tragedy, and so, the gears of bureaucracy and engineering grind on. Whether Wilmore and Williams will grace the next Starman music video from their perch remains uncertain, but what’s clear is NASA’s determination to bring them home safe and sound—even if it’s a long wait and involves an unusual wardrobe choice.