Two astronauts, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, are currently stranded at the International Space Station after issues with their Boeing Starliner resulted in troubling helium leaks. Initially set to return after nine days, the return date remains uncertain as NASA works to address the problem. As a potential solution, SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spaceship may end up being used to bring the astronauts back to Earth, which would be a significant blow to Boeing, which has faced challenges with its Starliner project, including cost overruns.
Boeing has invested significant resources in developing the Starliner as a secondary option for transportation to the ISS, but ongoing issues with the spacecraft have raised concerns. While officials from NASA and Boeing have stated that the current problems do not require assistance from SpaceX, the Crew Dragon has the capability to support additional passengers if needed. The spacecraft has previously transported astronauts to the ISS, demonstrating its reliability for crew transfer missions.
SpaceX has been the primary commercial company approved by NASA to transport astronauts and cargo to the ISS since 2020, showcasing its experience and capabilities in the space industry. Michael Lembeck, an aerospace engineering expert, believes that despite the current situation, the astronauts are likely to return to Earth on the Starliner. NASA has potentially delayed the return trip to allow further investigation into the craft’s issues and to ensure that it is safe for the journey back home.
While the astronauts are expected to return safely, parts of the Starliner spacecraft, such as the service module, will be left behind. The decision to delay the return trip is based on ensuring the spacecraft is fully prepared and certified for the journey. Katsuo Kurabayashi, a professor of aerospace engineering, notes that updates from NASA will provide insight into how the situation is evolving and whether a potential rescue mission may be required if serious hardware defects are discovered.
In the event of a need for a rescue mission, SpaceX’s Crew Dragon may play a crucial role in supporting the return of the stranded astronauts. Kurabayashi explains that such a scenario would indicate the presence of significant issues that could jeopardize the safety of the astronauts during the return trip. The last time a NASA astronaut required assistance returning to Earth was in 2022 when a leak occurred on a Russian Soyuz capsule. Ultimately, the astronaut returned safely after an extended mission duration, setting a record for the longest time spent in space by an American.
