NASA astronaut Sunita Williams’ mission on the ISS, initially scheduled for just eight days, has unexpectedly turned into a ten-month ordeal as technical issues with the Boeing Starliner capsule have left her and her crewmate stranded.
At a Glance
- Sunita Williams faced challenges performing basic tasks after a prolonged mission.
- She and Barry Wilmore were left in space due to Boeing’s technical issues.
- The astronauts are awaiting retrieval by SpaceX’s Crew-9 spacecraft.
- President Donald Trump criticized the situation and sought Elon Musk’s help.
- Nasa prioritized crew safety by choosing SpaceX due to Starliner malfunctions.
Unforeseen Challenges of Prolonged Missions
Originally planned for just over a week, astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore’s mission has been drastically extended due to significant technical failures in Boeing’s Starliner capsule. And they’re…stranded.
These complications have raised concerns over the astronauts’ wellbeing, especially the risks of muscle and bone deterioration in a microgravity environment.
Williams highlighted the impact of the long stay, stating, “I’ve been up here long enough. Right now I’ve been trying to remember what it’s like to walk. I haven’t walked. I haven’t sat down. I haven’t laid down.”
The Boeing capsule returned to Earth empty, leaving Williams and Wilmore with an indefinite stay aboard the ISS. NASA has deemed the capsule unfit for a safe return, requiring SpaceX’s Crew-9 capsule to handle the retrieval. This unexpected situation has extended their mission duration by two months longer than typical ISS expeditions
SpaceX has been tasked with executing the mission to bring the astronauts back to Earth. Elon Musk emphasized the urgency, agreeing to prioritize the return “as soon as possible,” Elon Musk stated. NASA is reviewing retrieval strategies, including accelerating the Crew-10 mission or adjusting the return order to minimize health risks associated with extended microgravity exposure.
So it’s Elon Musk to the rescue – again.
NASA protocol enforces a seamless transition between exiting and incoming crews on the ISS. Despite the Boeing setbacks, NASA has ensured that Williams and Wilmore are not classified as ‘stranded,’ as the mission continues without an official retrieval date. The timeline remains contingent on SpaceX’s Crew-10 capsule readiness, slated for late March.
So they’re stranded, but they’re not actually stranded. Got it…
The increased mission duration has drawn political criticism from various quarters, including President Donald Trump. He blamed the previous administration for the mishap while commending “the two brave astronauts.”