July 5, 2024... When Sunita Williams and Barry 'Butch' Wilmore reached the International Space Station (ISS) on a faulty spacecraft. Their plan was to stay for eight days, but the Boeing Starliner capsule they arrived in malfunctioned. NASA aims to bring them back to Earth by September, but the 8-day mission could turn into an 8-month stay, possibly extending to February next year.
Key Points of the Story:
Why the Delay...
Sunita Williams' return is delayed due to a helium leak and thruster issues in the Boeing Starliner.
Possible Return Date...
If all goes well, Williams and Wilmore could return to Earth in September. However, NASA has not confirmed this date.
Read More: The Full Story of the Starliner Spacecraft Which Took Sunita Williams to Space
What is the Emergency Plan...
If the Starliner cannot be fixed, the return mission will be executed via SpaceX's Crew Dragon, potentially taking until February 2025.
Current Situation...
Both Sunita and Wilmore are currently at the space station in good health, conducting research and assisting other astronauts with various tasks.
Read More: How Will the Starliner Bring Sunita Williams Back to Earth? NASA's Plan Explained
Can the Space Station Accommodate Them for Six More Months?
There is no threat to Sunita and Butch Wilmore. They can comfortably stay on the space station for another six months. Currently, there are seven astronauts aboard the ISS. This isn't the first time a mission's duration has been extended unexpectedly. However, this will be Sunita's first prolonged stay on the station.
Source: aajtak
How Will Sunita and Wilmore Return to Earth in September?
An ISS-bound spacecraft is scheduled to launch in September, carrying a crew of three astronauts including Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhamshu Shukla. They will stay for 14 days as part of the Axiom-4 mission and are expected to return in the same Crew Dragon capsule by SpaceX, possibly bringing Sunita and Butch back with them. NASA has yet to share further plans.
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Can the Space Station Accommodate So Many People?
Currently, seven astronauts, including Sunita and Wilmore, reside on the space station. It’s spacious enough to accommodate more astronauts. In September, when Group Captain Shukla and three others arrive, there might be concerns, but there is no need to worry.
Source: aajtak
The ISS has more than six bedrooms, with individual sleeping quarters and two bathrooms. It also has a gym. The spacecraft that brings astronauts can be docked to the station and used for additional sleeping arrangements if needed. Recently, cargo supplies were sent to ensure astronauts have sufficient food and essentials. When Sunita returns, the spacecraft will also carry the station's trash, which burns up in the atmosphere.
Last week, the Northrop Grumman Cygnus spacecraft docked to the space station, delivering 3700 kilograms of cargo, including food and other essentials. This cargo remains packed for now and will stay until January. It can't be used for return missions.
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Source: aajtak
Is Spending So Much Time in Space Healthy?
Generally, spending 8 to 10 months in space is not ideal, but many astronauts have stayed longer on the ISS. The record for the longest time spent in space is held by Russian cosmonaut Valery Polyakov, who stayed for 438 days on the Mir Space Station from January 1994 to March 1995. Sunita and Wilmore will spend around 250 days on the ISS this time. Williams previously spent 196 days in space in 2006.
How Does Long-term Space Stay Affect the Body?
NASA studies the impacts of long-term space exposure on astronauts' bodies. They conduct specific programs to understand physical changes after 3.5 months, 8 months, and longer stays. Prolonged space missions can lead to muscle weakening, reduced bone density, and an increased risk of heart-related issues.
