NASA astronauts Sunita “Suni” Williams and Barry “Butch” Wilmore embarked on a mission to the International Space Station (ISS) in June 2024 that should have lasted for just eight-day. It was planned as a test flight aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. However, due to technical malfunctions, including helium leaks and thruster issues, their return was significantly delayed, extending their stay to over nine months.
Sunita “Suni” Williams and Barry “Butch” Wilmore (Credit : NASA)
Williams and Wilmore launched to the ISS in June 2024 with the simple plan to evaluate the spacecraft’s performance during the brief mission. However, upon docking with ISS, the Starliner experienced thruster malfunctions and helium leaks in its propulsion system. Following extensive analysis, it was rendered unsafe for the return trip leaving Williams and Wilmore stranded. They were integrated into the regular crew rotation on the ISS, contributing to various experiments and maintenance tasks while they completed about 4,600 orbits of the Earth.
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Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner crew ship approaches the International Space Station (Credit : NASA)
NASA and Boeing made several attempts to return the stranded astronauts to Earth, but each was met with technical setbacks. Initially, NASA considered using Starliner with modified procedures, but continued propulsion concerns led to the decision to abandon that option. Alternative plans, including an emergency return on a Russian Soyuz capsule, were discussed but deemed unnecessary as the astronauts were not in immediate danger. Eventually, NASA opted for SpaceX’s Dragon capsule which had a proven track record of safe ISS returns.
Despite the challenges and delays, Williams and Wilmore have maintained a positive outlook, emphasising that they never felt abandoned. Instead, they adapted to their extended stay well even though their extended stay highlights the inherent unpredictability of space travel and the importance of contingency planning. Such planning has finally resulted in their safe return.
After an incredible 286 days in space, the spacecraft carrying the astronauts undocked at 01:06 EDT to begin its return journey. As it reentered the atmosphere, the hull reached temperatures of up to 1,600°C, while the rapid deceleration subjected the crew to intense g-forces—nearly four times Earth’s gravity. The descent seemed to go smoothly however and the four large parachutes deployed to ensuring a controlled splashdown at 7.58pm EDT Tuesday.
Sunita “Suni” Williams exists the Dragon capsule (Credit : NASA)
Barry “Butch” Wilmore leaves the Dragon capsule (Credit : NASA)
As ground support teams inspected the spacecraft, a pod of dolphins circled, joining the welcoming committee and, when the hatch finally opened, Williams and Wilmore were able to take their first taste of fresh air in over nine months! Williams was the first of the pair to exit, followed by Wilmore and as they stepped out, both were all smiles, waving to the cameras marking a positive end to their extraordinary journey in space.
Source : Dragon Undocks With SpaceX Crew-9 Members for Return to Earth