The Challenges Faced by NASA in Bringing Astronauts Back from the International Space Station

NASA has recently faced challenges in bringing astronauts Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams back from the International Space Station (ISS). The contingency plan involves relying on SpaceX’s Crew-9 mission if they are unable to return sooner aboard the Boeing Starliner spacecraft.

The Boeing Starliner experienced thruster failures and helium leaks while docking with the ISS, resulting in the astronauts being stuck in orbit for over two months. This, coupled with the program’s significant delays and cost overruns, has raised concerns about the safety and reliability of the Starliner spacecraft.

Boeing, the company behind the Starliner program, has faced a series of setbacks, including a criminal fraud charge and an incident in which a door plug exploded during a flight. These issues have raised questions about Boeing’s ability to deliver on its commitments to NASA and ensure the safety of its spacecraft.

Tests conducted at NASA’s White Sands Test Facility have indicated that deformed Teflon seals may have contributed to the Starliner’s thruster failures. However, a final decision on whether Williams and Wilmore will return using Boeing’s spacecraft is not expected until mid-August. Despite the challenges, NASA still considers using the Starliner as its preferred solution for bringing the astronauts back to Earth.

In the event that NASA decides not to use the Starliner, SpaceX’s Crew-9 mission could be used to bring the astronauts back to Earth. This backup plan would involve sending just two astronauts to the ISS aboard a late September launch, with two spots reserved for Williams and Wilmore to return in February of next year. Boeing would need to reconfigure the Starliner craft to ensure it can return uncrewed ahead of the SpaceX Crew-9 launch.

The challenges faced by NASA in bringing astronauts back from the ISS highlight the complexities and uncertainties involved in space missions. The need for contingency plans and backup solutions underscores the importance of thorough testing and rigorous decision-making to ensure the safety and success of future missions.