Two NASA astronauts have found themselves in a daunting situation as they are stuck in space for an indefinite amount of time. This surprising story shocked the world once the news broke out.
At first, many were hopeful that they would fix the situation and that the astronauts would return to Earth on June 22nd, which was the day they were supposed to return, but this was not the case.
Astronauts Stuck in Space
Two astronauts from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) have found themselves in a dire situation. Both astronauts who went up into space via the Boeing Starliner capsule now have no other choice but to stay on the International Space Station (ISS) for an indefinite period of time because of some problems with their aircraft.
Now, they do not know when they will be returning home.
The Starliner Had Many Earlier Issues
According to reports, Astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore launched into space in early June. However, this was after many issues with the Boeing spacecraft. The craft had several problems, including valve problems and multiple helium leaks that made NASA postpone their flight lt several times.
It has also been revealed that Boeing and NASA knew that the spacecraft had a helium leak and still allowed it to be launched into space.
One Helium Leak Became A Big Problem
The engineers at NASA have come forward to explain that the helium leak was not such a big deal at that time, even though a launch was previously delayed because of it. In fact, they claim that even a larger leak did not pose any significant danger.
However, once the Boeing Starliner went into orbit, it was clear that the helium leak was, in fact, a serious issue.
More Helium Leaks
As soon as the spacecraft went into orbit in space, the team realized that there were four additional helium leaks that were previously undetected. Therefore, this became a major concern as the safety of the astronauts was in danger.
Thankfully, both Wilmore and Williams were able to reach the ISS and dock safely on June 6th after the major scare and many complications.
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Five Thrusters Malfunctioned
While the Starliner capsule was trying to dock at the ISS so that the astronauts would be safe, there were many complications.
Five thrusters of the capsule malfunctioned, causing a lot of worry for the team. This also led to the capsule to be backed up from the ISS’s dock, with the thrusters retired to allow for reactivation.
Working on the Problems
Now, the Boeing crew and NASA are working together to find what really caused these many problems at once. They are also analyzing the undetected helium leaks in order to figure out how to fix them.
Finding out why five thrusters suddenly went off is also important to them, as one of these five thrusters has still not come back online successfully.
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Multiple Delays
When the two astronauts left for space on June 6th, they were supposed to stay up at the ISS for only about a week. Therefore, they were expected to return to Earth around June 18th. However, the unexpected occurrences made NASA push this back to June 22nd.
Then, the severity of the issues made NASA delay the date again to June 26th until they fix the problems.
An Indefinite Delay
Now, many are worried as NASA has pushed back this date once more and indefinitely. Therefore, William and Wilmore do not know when they will be returning to Earth again.
To pass the time while they wait for NASA to solve the ongoing problems, they are working on the take and the Starliner, hoping they will be able to return home soon.
NASA’s Official Statement
NASA has also issued an official statement explaining why it has continued to delay the astronauts’ return and has not given a specific date for their return.
The manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew, Steve Stich, said in the statement that the crew is taking its time and following standard procedures to ensure that the astronauts and the shuttle safely return to Earth.
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Time Is Running Out
The statement also said that both Williams and Wilmore are happy to spend more days in space because they have not been there for many years.
Furthermore, critics have noted that the Starliner can only remain docked at the ISS for about 45 more days, and the deadline for the astronauts’ return to Earth is already reducing.
The Trial Run
The launch of the Starliner into orbit and making sure it docks safely at the ISS is part of Boeing’s trial run mission with NASA. SpaceX has been taking astronauts into space since 2020, and Boeing is trying to show NASA that it can do the same.
However, they have not had a very successful run.
A Possible Return Date
NASA and Boeing are still trying to figure out all the problems with the Starliner and fix them before they can send the astronauts back to Earth.
Therefore, they have not yet given a specific date for the return of Wilmore and Williams. However, they have hinted at a possible return after July 2nd, the already planned spacewalk at the ISS.
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