Washington: Indian-American astronaut Sunita Williams has been stranded in space for over two months due to issues with Boeing's Starliner capsule.
Originally, the mission to the International Space Station (ISS) was scheduled to last only eight days. However, Williams and her fellow astronaut, Butch Wilmore, have now been aboard the ISS for more than sixty days. This unexpected extension raises concerns about whether they have sufficient air, water, and food supplies.
Are There Enough Resources for Sunita Williams in Space?
Before liftoff, Wilmore and Williams’ suitcases were removed from the Starliner capsule to accommodate critical equipment for the space station’s water recycling system, which turns urine into drinking water. As a result, they’ve been making do with spare clothing already available on the ISS.
Fortunately, a supply ship arrived this week, bringing fresh clothes, additional food, and scientific materials for the nine-member crew aboard the ISS. More supplies are expected to arrive in the coming months. As for air, the ISS is equipped with advanced oxygen-generating systems, ensuring a stable air supply.
While the station has ample reserves, NASA is eager to return to normal operations as soon as possible. Alongside Wilmore and Williams, the crew includes four other Americans and three Russian cosmonauts.
Why is Sunita Williams Stuck in Space?
This mission marks Boeing's first attempt to send astronauts to space after previous test flights of their Starliner capsule encountered software and other technical issues. Even before the June 5 launch, the capsule experienced a helium leak in its propulsion system.
Despite the leak, NASA and Boeing deemed it safe enough to proceed with the mission. However, as the Starliner approached the ISS, four more leaks were detected, and five of its thrusters failed. While the capsule did manage to dock safely, engineers have been working tirelessly to understand the root cause of these malfunctions.
Two months later, the exact reason for the thruster failures remains unclear. Although 27 of the 28 thrusters appear to be functioning correctly now, there are concerns that if too many fail again, the crew's safety could be at risk.
When Will Sunita Williams Return to Earth?
NASA has indicated that astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams might return to Earth in February 2025, but likely not aboard the troubled Starliner capsule. Instead, they could return on SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft if Starliner is still deemed unsafe.
The U.S. space agency is already in discussions with SpaceX to reserve two seats on an upcoming Crew Dragon mission for Wilmore and Williams. This mission was notable as it marked the first time astronauts flew aboard Boeing’s Starliner capsule.