Two American astronauts were on an eight-day trip to the International Space Station (ISS) but are now stuck due to issues with their returning spacecraft. NASA is trying to return the two astronauts safely but claims they could be trapped until February 2025. The two astronauts seem to be in stabilizing condition in the ISS and it would only be a matter of time before their return.
Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams are two American astronauts who arrived at the International Space Station not long ago. They arrived safely but faced challenges with their return. The Starliner is the initial vehicle that is planned to bring back the two astronauts. Starliner, however, faced leaks and thruster failures, making the trip back to Earth unsafe. Their way of return is still yet to be decided, so the pair is waiting at the ISS for further instructions.
NASA is looking for a way to bring them back and claims the process would be simple. Although the best return option still is yet to be decided, the two astronauts will likely return with a SpaceX Crew Dragon mission. The mission takes place in 2025 and will return in February, which means the pair would probably have to spend New Year and Christmas in space.
Despite the harsh challenges, the astronauts remain positive and are doing well in adapting to the extended stay. Pictures and video clips of the astronauts show their positivity, and they seem to be enjoying their stay thus far. “It feels like coming back home. It feels good to float around. It feels good to be in space and work up here with the International Space Station team,” Ms Williams said. “So yeah, it’s great to be up here”.
Work Cited
- Wendling, Mike. “They Went to Space for Eight Days – and Could Be Stuck Until 2025.” BBC News, 9 Aug. 2023, www.bbc.com/news/articles/cg4yqepr469o. Accessed 9 Aug. 2024.
