NASA is under pressure with a 17-day deadline to return astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore from the International Space Station (ISS).
Their Boeing Starliner spacecraft, which docked at the ISS on June 13, 2024, has faced significant technical problems, including failures in five of its 28 thrusters and helium leaks in its service module. These issues have delayed their return, initially planned for June 14, 2024.
Williams and Wilmore’s mission, part of Boeing’s first crewed flight, aimed to test the Starliner’s performance. However, technical difficulties have prevented the spacecraft from safely undocking.
NASA’s commercial crew program manager, Steve Stich, has indicated that the return timeline is uncertain, as the thrusters and helium systems are crucial for a safe return.
The Starliner must be undocked to make room for the Crew-9 mission, scheduled for no earlier than August 18, 2024. If the Starliner cannot be repaired in time, NASA might need to use a SpaceX Dragon capsule to bring Williams and Wilmore back.
The extended stay aboard the ISS has posed health challenges for the astronauts.
Williams is experiencing bone loss due to prolonged exposure to microgravity, which can accelerate bone density loss similar to osteoporosis.
Additionally, microgravity affects other bodily functions, such as fluid redistribution and increased risk of kidney stones. NASA is addressing these issues through exercise regimens, nutritional strategies, and ongoing research.
Challenges of long-duration space missions also include visual impairments and increased radiation exposure, which can raise the risk of DNA damage and cancer.
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