NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, who launched into space in June this year with plans to return after a week, has had her mission extended due to issues with the Starliner spacecraft. As she has now been in space for over two months, NASA is working on safe options for her return.
ISRO Chief S. Somanath recently addressed whether India could assist with her return, stating that, at this point, only Russia and the US have the capability to help. In a podcast discussion, he explained, “Unfortunately, India doesn’t have the means to directly assist in this situation. We don’t have the capability to send a spacecraft for a rescue. The only available options are the US with its Crew Dragon vehicle and Russia with its Soyuz spacecraft, both of which could potentially be used for a rescue mission.”
Rumors have circulated that Sunita Williams and fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore are stranded in space. Somanath reassured that the situation isn’t extremely critical. He mentioned that although there were anomalies with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft, which led to its launch being cautious and delayed, the situation is being managed carefully. Boeing has been conducting tests to ensure the spacecraft’s safety, but clearances are still awaited.
The primary issue with the Starliner is its faulty propulsion system, which has raised concerns about the safety of a crewed return. NASA officials have suggested that a decision regarding the astronauts’ return is expected soon, ideally by the end of August.
NASA is considering using SpaceX’s Crew-9 mission, scheduled for late September, to bring the astronauts back. However, there might be a delay, with their return potentially pushed to early next year. Somanath mentioned, “Crew Dragon might be used for their return, but human spaceflight involves intricate planning and scheduling, which is likely what they’re waiting on.”
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson and other top officials are set to meet on Saturday to finalize the return timeline or date for the astronauts.
