Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams and fellow NASA astronaut Butch Wilmore launched into an eight-day mission aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft on June 05, 2024. Nonetheless, on account of technical challenges, their keep on the Worldwide House Station (ISS) has been prolonged to eight months. Whereas Starliner returned to Earth with out them final week on account of some points, each astronauts stay on the ISS and are anticipated to return with Elon Musk’s SpaceX Crew-9 flight in February 2025.
Williams’ Perspective on the Delay
In a video press convention, Sunita Williams shared her ideas on the sudden delay, describing the ISS as her “blissful place.” She talked about how life in house has not been a troublesome adjustment on account of earlier expertise. Though initially hoped to finish the Starliner mission and return sooner, she stays optimistic concerning the alternative forward.
Challenges with Starliner’s Return
Butch Wilmore famous that, whereas there have been disagreements concerning their return on the Starliner, time constraints and unresolved technical points led to their continued keep. He believes their present scenario is for the perfect, given the protection considerations surrounding the Starliner.
Voting from House
Sunita Williams additionally acknowledged that whereas her prolonged keep causes some nervousness, particularly contemplating plans along with her household, she stays targeted on the mission. Each astronauts expressed their anticipation of casting their ballots for the 2024 US presidential elections from house, with the race being between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.
Technical Points with Starliner
The Starliner spacecraft skilled a number of thruster failures and helium leaks throughout its strategy to the ISS, stopping it from reaching ample thrust for a secure return to Earth with the astronauts. In consequence, NASA and Boeing determined that the Starliner would return empty, leaving Williams and Wilmore to await their return with SpaceX.
