NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are stuck on the International Space Station (ISS) indefinitely as engineers evaluate the flightworthiness of Boeing’s troubled Starliner spacecraft. The extended mission could delay other ISS launches, with NASA insiders suggesting the upcoming Crew-9 mission might be postponed from August 18 to September 24.
The SpaceX Crew Dragon mission, intended to carry three NASA astronauts and one Rocosmos astronaut to the ISS, may need to adjust its crew. If Starliner returns empty, NASA could send up the SpaceX spacecraft with just two astronauts to accommodate Williams and Wilmore’s return.
NASA has yet to officially comment but is expected to decide this week. The Starliner capsule, plagued by delays, cost overruns, and technical issues, encountered further problems when its thrusters misfired during docking two months ago. NASA has been considering using a Crew Dragon spacecraft to return the stranded astronauts.
The ISS has only two docking ports for crew vehicles, one of which is currently blocked by the malfunctioning Starliner. The other is occupied by the SpaceX Crew-8 spacecraft, scheduled to return by month’s end. Even without a crew, the Starliner poses risks, including potential collision with the ISS if it cannot adjust its orbit after undocking.
Boeing, however, remains optimistic. “Boeing remains confident in the Starliner spacecraft and its ability to return safely with crew,” the company stated. “We continue to support NASA’s requests for additional testing, data, analysis, and reviews to affirm the spacecraft’s safe undocking and landing capabilities.”
