NASA recently revealed that it is prepared to call on SpaceX to facilitate the return of Boeing astronauts who have spent 51 days aboard the space station. Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore engaged in a brief call with the press from the space station, shedding light on their situation.
SpaceX as the Backup Option
An official from NASA highlighted that SpaceX's Crew Dragon serves as the "backup option" to repatriate the two astronauts currently in limbo. While Williams and Wilmore initially journeyed to the space station via Boeing's Starliner, they encountered technical difficulties that led to their prolonged stay.
Challenges with Boeing's Starliner
The astronauts have been marooned on the International Space Station for almost two months due to thruster malfunctions and helium leaks on Boeing's Starliner. Efforts are underway by NASA and Boeing to troubleshoot and resolve the issues with the glitchy spaceship.
Potential SpaceX Intervention
The escalating complications suggest that SpaceX might need to intervene to bring the astronauts back home. SpaceX's Crew Dragon has a proven track record of safely transporting astronauts to and from the ISS over the years.
Comparison between SpaceX and Boeing
The Commercial Crew Program invested in SpaceX and Boeing to develop astronaut transport systems for NASA. SpaceX outpaced Boeing in terms of efficiency and cost-effectiveness, with Crew Dragon successfully completing its first astronaut mission in 2020 while Starliner faces challenges on its maiden voyage.
Extended Stay and Return Date Uncertainty
Initially scheduled for an eight-day mission, the astronauts have surpassed their intended duration aboard Starliner. The ongoing troubleshooting has extended their stay, with NASA now contemplating a potential return in mid-August, subject to the resolution of technical issues.
Continued Troubleshooting and Contingency Plans
Engineers are actively working to address the thruster problems on Starliner, with NASA exploring contingency options for the astronauts' safe return. While uncertainties persist regarding the exact return date, both NASA and Boeing affirm the safety of Williams and Wilmore during their extended stay.
Source: Business Insider
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By: mmcfalljohnsen@businessinsider.com (Morgan McFall-Johnsen)
Title: NASA Considers SpaceX as Backup to Bring Boeing Astronauts Home
Sourced From: www.businessinsider.com/nasa-could-ask-spacex-bring-home-stuck-boeing-astronauts-2024-7
Published Date: Sat, 27 Jul 2024 01:19:44 +0000
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