When astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams took off for the International Space Station (ISS) on June 5, 2024, they didn’t expect to be away from home for so long. The duo flew aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, initially slated for a short eight-day mission. Fast forward to now, and it’s been over two months since their launch, with the uncertainty lingering about when they might return.
Their prolonged stay is primarily due to technical difficulties with the Starliner capsule. According to government officials, it’s becoming increasingly likely they might have to remain aboard the ISS well beyond the initial timeline, possibly until early 2025. This situation has been inflamed by revelations concerning persistent issues with the Starliner’s thrusters and other systems.
NASA has stated its objective is to bring Wilmore and Williams back safely, but complications have arisen. "We have been working with SpaceX to make sure they are ready to respond with Crew-9 as a contingency," explained NASA’s Commercial Crew Program manager Steve Stich. While they are exploring all options, there’s pressure to decide shortly.
Initially, the astronauts anticipated returning to Earth perhaps within just one week of launching. They left behind personal items, including toiletries, to accommodate cargo requirements. Over two months later, they have adapted to life aboard the ISS, assuming various duties from routine maintenance to conducting science experiments.
Under normal circumstances, it’s not unusual for astronauts to extend their missions. For example, NASA astronaut Frank Rubio ended up spending 371 days in space due to unforeseen circumstances after his capsule experienced issues, which set the record for the longest stay onboard the ISS for a U.S. astronaut. This highlights the unpredictable nature of space missions.
With NASA weighing the pros and cons of using Starliner for their return, they’re also considering sending the Starliner back empty if necessary. Why? If the Starliner is found unsafe, there's already laid-out backup plans where Williams and Wilmore would be flown back to Earth aboard SpaceX’s Crew-9 mission.
The situation has raised concerns about what could happen if the astronauts had to remain aboard the ISS much longer. NASA officials indicated any delays pose life-altering risks for Wilmore and Williams. Prolonged exposure to microgravity can have severe effects on human health, including muscle atrophy, bone density loss, and changes to cardiovascular function. Experts are cautioning against the potential long-term consequences of extended space travel, noting, "The longer you are there, the more your body deteriorates."
Wilmore and Williams, both experienced astronauts with extensive records, seem to be handling the situation quite well. They have been able to integrate with the current crew aboard the ISS smoothly, partaking not only in daily tasks like maintaining the space station but also conducting scientific experiments. Their time has even included some lighter moments, such as hosting their own games mimicking Olympic events, which NASA shares as snapshots of joy amid uncertainty.
Even though the astronauts have resources to stay for extended periods, recently received supplies have ensured they remain comfortable. A resupply mission introduced additional food and clothes to the ISS, which alleviates some of the more immediate pressures of extended stays.
Despite the comforts, there’s still heightened concern for the astronauts’ health should their stay be extended. Astronauts face accelerated bone loss, which happens up to twelve times faster than individuals suffering from severe osteoporosis. Muscle mass loss can also be significant, where they stand to lose around 50% of their muscle mass after prolonged space missions.
Current plans are still very much fluid. NASA aims to reach consensus on whether the Starliner can be trusted to bring Wilmore and Williams home. Various technical updates from Boeing have not yet provided the clarity needed to assure NASA leaders fully. With multiple thruster failures and the uncertainty dawdling over their return options, there’s urgency to establish whether the astronauts are safe aboard Starliner for the trip home.
For now, the two are doing their best to keep their spirits high, leaning on their training and camaraderie to navigate this unique and complex situation. They'll continue with regular maintenance of the ISS and support scientific experiments waiting for resolution on their return plans. Whatever happens moving forward, the entire process showcases the unpredictable nature of human spaceflight and the determination it takes to face challenges far beyond Earth.
