Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who are currently stranded in orbit, were assured they would return to Earth soon. However, due to significant software issues, NASA has now projected a delayed return until February 2025. That’s right – what was originally an eight-day mission could now last over eight months.
The Starliner, initially planned to transport Butch and Suni back following an eight-day journey, has left them marooned in space for over 60 days. Thoughts of a possible rescue conducted by SpaceX’s CrewDragon are now being considered, although it won’t be prepared until February.
As early as June 19, doubts were creeping in regarding Boeing’s ability to ensure the astronauts’ safe return. The issued press releases appeared more like corporate PR and less about transparency. By July 27, some were advocating for NASA to allow Elon Musk’s Crew Dragon to take over, given the clear problems with the Starliner. However, even that alternative now seems unfeasible due to the software failure which has left the Starliner impaired and attached to the only port the Crew Dragon can use for docking.
This isn’t a simple mechanical issue. Even if a Crew Dragon could be sent immediately, there’s still the challenge of safely transferring Butch and Suni from the ISS to the Crew Dragon. Not to mention the preparations needed for their journey home. This is, without a doubt, a total mess created by Boeing.
However, it is increasingly evident that unless the Starliner can be detached from the ISS, there simply will not be a return trip.
Further concerns arise from the claim that the next Crew Dragon mission won’t be ready until February. Certainly, if the need were pressing, a solution could be found. However, getting the astronauts transferred safely remains a concern.
Additionally, the astronauts’ supplies are dwindling. It’s uncertain if resupply missions can be launched until the Starliner is removed from the docking port.
