Two US astronauts are stuck in space after a test flight to the International Space Station (ISS) went wrong.
Sunita "Suni" Williams, 58, and Commander Barry "Butch" Wilmore, 61, were meant to be in space for only eight days before returning to Earth. However, technical errors jeopardised their return flight after their mission began on June 5.
The pair flew Boeing’s Starliner capsule to the ISS but the new spacecraft suffered several technical failures.
Representatives for Boeing, an aviation corporation already mired in much controversy, maintained that the vessel was safe to return the astronauts to Earth.
However, Nasa is not taking any chances and is trying to figure out what to do about getting the astronauts back home.
Nasa is prepared to return the astronauts only when fully confident in the vessel.
"Our chances of an uncrewed Starliner return have increased a little bit based on the way things have gone over the last week or two," Nasa's director of space operations, Ken Bowersox, said on August 11. "We know that at some point we need to bring Butch and Suni home."
The pair have already passed the two-month mark for their stay at the ISS alongside seven other astronauts, four from the US and three Russians. According to space officials, the pair may have to stay in the ISS until at least February 2025 before they can return home.
So what went wrong and what is the solution? Here’s what you need to know.
Are the Nasa astronauts stuck in space?
Mr Williams and Ms Wilmore were testing out the Boeing Starliner during its first trip to space when the vessel suffered issues.
According to a former Nasa executive, the pair are “kind of stuck” in space — but safe in the ISS.
Boeing stressed the astronauts were not stuck and said "there's no increased risk" in bringing them back in the Starliner.
Opinion remains divided about whether the Starliner is safe for the astronauts to return home in — or whether it would be better to wait for a different mission next year.
The Guardian reported that recent reports suggested there was conflict between Nasa and Boeing leaders. Some of the agency’s leaders had reportedly questioned whether the Starliner should bring Mr Williams and Ms Wilmore back.
Despite the delay, Boeing said in a statement: “Boeing remains confident in the Starliner spacecraft and its ability to return safely with crew. We continue to support Nasa’s requests for additional testing, data, analysis and reviews to affirm the spacecraft’s safe undocking and landing capabilities.”
What’s wrong with Boeing’s Starliner?
Reports suggest that the Boeing Starliner faced issues before departing on its maiden voyage, resulting in delays. As the spacecraft neared the ISS, it developed several helium leaks and experienced some thruster failures.
Although the Starliner docked safely, the team could not fully resolve the problems.
Despite two months of work, the team appears no closer to fixing the thrusters. These are crucial to the capsule’s orbit and positioning and are critical in the craft’s descent to Earth.
When will the Starliner astronauts return to Earth?
There are two options for their return: hope the original Starliner works without further glitches or wait for a SpaceX mission to pick them up next year.
At their only news conference from space in July (as reported by Sky News), the astronauts said they were keeping busy, helping with repairs and research. They also expressed confidence in all the Starliner testing behind the scenes.
Sky News said the spacecraft regularly receives more supplies from Earth, with the last one arriving on August 6.
Launched on a rocket from Kazakhstan on May 30, the supplies reportedly included about three tonnes of food, fuel and other supplies.
"Our prime option is to return Butch and Suni on Starliner," Steve Stich, manager of Nasa's Commercial Crew Program, said. "However, we have done the requisite planning to make sure we have other options open.”
Former space shuttle commander, Eileen Williams, told MarketWatch on August 12: “Boeing’s statement that they can come home safely on Starliner speaks volumes to me.
“These commercial companies cannot afford to have an accident because it could completely end their programme.”
