NEW DELHI: Nasa is set to provide a significant update on Saturday regarding the return of astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore from the International Space Station (ISS). Initially launched on June 5 aboard Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner spacecraft for an eight-day mission, their stay has extended to nearly 80 days due to various technical issues with the spacecraft, including thruster failures and helium leaks.
The decision on their return is crucial, and Nasa has been conducting thorough assessments to ensure the safety of the Starliner and its crew.
The agency has been reviewing data from both space and ground tests to evaluate the spacecraft’s performance and readiness for the return journey. This includes a Program Control Board and an Agency Flight Readiness Review, with the final decision expected after these evaluations.
Nasa administrator Bill Nelson and other officials will discuss the findings from these reviews during a press conference scheduled for 1pm EDT (11pm IST).
The agency is weighing whether to proceed with the Starliner for the astronauts’ return or to switch to SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule as a backup plan.
The latter option, while viable, would significantly delay their return, potentially pushing it to February 2025.
The Starliner mission is critical for Boeing, which has already faced substantial financial setbacks in its development. The outcome of Saturday’s announcement will not only affect the immediate return of Williams and Wilmore but will also have broader implications for future crewed missions and the collaboration between Nasa and commercial partners like Boeing and SpaceX.
As the space community eagerly awaits the announcement, the astronauts continue their work aboard the ISS, contributing to scientific research despite the uncertainty surrounding their return.
The decision on their return is crucial, and Nasa has been conducting thorough assessments to ensure the safety of the Starliner and its crew.
The agency has been reviewing data from both space and ground tests to evaluate the spacecraft’s performance and readiness for the return journey. This includes a Program Control Board and an Agency Flight Readiness Review, with the final decision expected after these evaluations.
Nasa administrator Bill Nelson and other officials will discuss the findings from these reviews during a press conference scheduled for 1pm EDT (11pm IST).
The agency is weighing whether to proceed with the Starliner for the astronauts’ return or to switch to SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule as a backup plan.
The latter option, while viable, would significantly delay their return, potentially pushing it to February 2025.
The Starliner mission is critical for Boeing, which has already faced substantial financial setbacks in its development. The outcome of Saturday’s announcement will not only affect the immediate return of Williams and Wilmore but will also have broader implications for future crewed missions and the collaboration between Nasa and commercial partners like Boeing and SpaceX.
As the space community eagerly awaits the announcement, the astronauts continue their work aboard the ISS, contributing to scientific research despite the uncertainty surrounding their return.
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