NASA

Extended Space Mission for NASA Astronauts

Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore have been stranded on the International Space Station (ISS) for over two months due to technical faults with Boeing’s Starliner capsule. Their mission, which began on June 5, was originally planned to last just eight days.

Critical Thruster Malfunctions on Starliner

The Starliner capsule has experienced multiple thruster failures, which are essential for manoeuvring the spacecraft in space. Five of the 28 thrusters malfunctioned during the journey to the ISS, raising concerns about the spacecraft’s ability to return safely to Earth.

Risks of Re-entry: Vaporization or Drifting in Space

According to Daily Mail, former Space System Commander Rudy Ridolfi outlined the dangers if NASA decides to use the faulty Starliner for re-entry. A misalignment during re-entry could result in the capsule either burning up in Earth’s atmosphere or bouncing off and being flung back into space.

Service Module’s Critical Role in Safe Return

The Starliner’s service module, which houses vital systems such as thrusters, power, and life support, is crucial for aligning the capsule for re-entry. Any failure in the module could compromise the astronauts’ safety, potentially leading to catastrophic outcomes.

Limited Timeframe for Corrective Actions

If thruster issues arise during the return journey, the astronauts would have approximately 96 hours to diagnose and resolve the problems before running out of resources, such as oxygen and power, necessary for a safe landing.

Potential Rescue Mission with SpaceX’s Crew Dragon

NASA is considering launching a rescue mission using SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft if the Starliner is deemed too risky for crewed re-entry. This would involve leaving two seats empty on a Crew Dragon launch scheduled for September to bring Williams and Wilmore back to Earth.

Challenges of Space Docking for Rescue

A potential rescue operation would require docking another spacecraft with the Starliner, a complex manoeuvre only attempted once before in space history. The procedure would involve attaching a structure to the Starliner’s hatch to safely transfer the astronauts.

NASA’s Internal Debate on Starliner’s Safety

NASA’s Commercial Crew Program has been divided over whether to accept Boeing’s testing data and proceed with Starliner for the return mission. Concerns about the unresolved issues with thrusters and helium leaks have led some officials to advocate for the SpaceX alternative.

Ongoing Technical Investigations and Testing

Engineers have been conducting ground and in-space tests to understand the causes of the thruster failures. Recent findings suggest that overheating thrusters may have warped seals, restricting fuel flow and weakening thrust. NASA continues to assess these risks before making a final decision.