Two National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) astronauts have been stuck in space for weeks. Their launch was expected to last eight days and return on June 14. Nearly a month later, mechanical failures have kept the astronauts in extended orbit.
Optimism and Confidence Amid Delay
The astronauts, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, have expressed optimism and confidence that the Boeing starliner space capsule will be able to return them to Earth safely, if weeks later than scheduled.
Breakdowns on Return Trip
The starliner experienced several breakdowns on the return trip including possible helium leaks and multiple thruster failure which could be in part due to early frequent use of the thrusters and the heat temperature in the space atmosphere.
First Launch of Starliner Capsule
Wilmore and Williams are the first astronauts to launch in the new Starliner capsule. The spacecraft has experienced helium leaks and thruster failures, which threatened their arrival at the International Space Station in June.
Delayed Return to Earth
The spacecraft’s failures have prevented the astronauts from returning to Earth, and the earliest likely date for return will be the end of July.
Astronauts’ News Conference
Wilmore and Williams held a news conference from space, stating they expect to return from orbit when the thruster testing on Earth is complete.
Embracing Extended Stay
Rather than being upset about the extra time spent at the space station, the pair have stated that they are enjoying the extended experience and being able to assist the crew.
Williams’ Optimism
Williams said, “I have a real good feeling in my heart that the spacecraft will bring us home, no problem.”
NASA’s Timeline and SpaceX Mission
According to commercial crew program director Steve Stich, NASA aims to get the astronauts home before SpaceX delivers a new crew in August.
Testing and Replicating Issues on Earth
While the astronauts remain in orbit on Earth, NASA and Boeing are trying to replicate the thruster problems on a new starliner unit currently in New Mexico, one of the premier landing sites in the U.S. Mechanics have not been able to replicate the high temperatures experienced during space flight, which potentially could have caused some of the failures.
Thruster Issue Identified
Mechanics have narrowed the issue with the thruster to the propulsion system, which is how the spacecraft is maneuvered.
Repair Status of Thrusters
Five of the thrusters needed to propel the spacecraft out of orbit failed when the capsule landed at the space station on June 6. Four have been repaired, and the fifth is under mechanical review.
Experts’ Confidence in Remaining Thrusters
Even with one failed thruster, experts believe that the other four thrusters that have been restored have enough power to send the capsule out of orbit and back to Earth. Different options and engines exist as well to return the astronauts safely.
Wilmore’s Trust in Testing
Wilmore said, “That mantra you’ve heard, failure is not an option, that’s why we are staying here now. We trust that the tests we’re doing are the ones we need to do to get the right answers and give us the data that we need to come back.”
