'Stuck in space': Astronauts who spent 8 days on space station could now remain in orbit until 2025

Wilmore, 61, and Williams, 58, flew to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard the Boeing Starliner spacecraft.

This is the first such flight with passengers on board A test designed to see how the new spacecraft performs Before continuing to use it.

However, problems arose with their approach. Among them, leaks in the propulsion system and shutdown of some of its propellers.

So, even if they reach the space station safely, Alternative transportation will be required The Starliner must return home if deemed unfit to return them to Earth.

At a news conference on Wednesday, US space agency (NASA) officials said no firm decisions had been made on next steps.

“Our main desire is to get Butch and Suni back in the Starliner,” said Steve Stich of NASA's Commercial Crew Program.

“However, we have done the necessary planning to ensure that “We have other options.”

One possibility being considered is bringing the astronauts back to Earth when the launch is scheduled for September. Wilmore and Williams They will return with the crew in February 2025.

That trip to the space station will be carried out aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon. The initial plan was to have four crew members on board, but Two seats can be left empty if required.

That plan would mean astronauts would spend more than eight months aboard the International Space Station (ISS), instead of the original eight days.

If Crew Dragon is used, Starliner returns to Earth without crew. Under computer control.

NASA officials said it could take a week or more to make a final decision.

“The chances of the Starliner returning without a crew have increased quite a bit based on how things have gone over the last week or two,” NASA's director of space operations, Ken Powersachs, told reporters.

“That's why we're looking closely at that option to make sure we can handle it,” he added.

Using SpaceX to return astronauts would be a severe blow to Boeing. Over the years the company and its experienced crew have tried to compete with Dragon.

Earlier this week, NASA used a SpaceX rocket to send more food and supplies to the ISS, including extra clothing for two astronauts.

In a brief press conference last month, the duo said they were “absolutely confident” about the return trip The Starliner was “really impressive.”

This will be the third time on the ISS for Williams, a retired Navy helicopter pilot, while Wilmore is a former fighter jet pilot who has been to space twice before.

“We've been very busy here and integrated with the crew,” Williams told reporters during a recent conference call.

“It's like coming home. It feels good to float. It feels good Stay in space and work here with the International Space Station crew,” he said. “Yeah, it's great to be here.”

Boeing hoped that the first Starliner mission would pave the way for regular use of its capsule for trips to and from the station. The SpaceX Crew Dragon has been approved for NASA missions since 2020.

Although the astronauts will spend more time in space than initially planned, Others have spent long periods orbiting Earth.

Russian Valery Polyakov spent 437 days in space aboard the Mir space station in the mid-1990s.

Last year, Frank Rubio Returned from ISS after 371 days, An American has spent more time in space.

and Russian Oleg Kononenko, currently aboard the ISS First person to spend more than 1,000 days in space during his career.

In his reports and interviews, Both Americans are optimistic about their situation. “I'm not complaining about being here another two weeks,” Williams said last month.

As things stand, they could both be there for several more weeks.

Remember that you can receive notifications on our app. Download the latest version and activate them.