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Crew-10 Successfully Arrives at the International Space Station | Watch

March 16, 2025, 12:38 pm

The hatch of SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft opened on March 16 at 1:35 a.m. ET (11:30 a.m. IST), marking the official arrival of Crew-10 at the International Space Station (ISS). The Expedition 72 crew warmly welcomed them with cheers and excitement.

NASA Shares the Exciting Moment

NASA’s Johnson Space Center posted a video capturing the astronauts stepping into the ISS. The post read, “All the hugs. The hatch of the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft opened March 16 at 1:35 a.m. ET and the members of Crew-10 entered the @Space_Station with the rest of their excited Expedition 72 crew.”

All the hugs. ?

The hatch of the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft opened March 16 at 1:35 a.m. ET and the members of Crew-10 entered the @Space_Station with the rest of their excited Expedition 72 crew. pic.twitter.com/mnUddqPqfr

— NASA's Johnson Space Center (@NASA_Johnson) March 16, 2025

Crew-10’s Mission and Purpose

SpaceX launched the Crew-10 mission on March 14 from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Falcon 9 rocket carried the Dragon spacecraft, which successfully docked with the ISS. The crew included NASA astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, JAXA astronaut Takuya Onishi, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Kirill Peskov. Their primary goal was to bring back NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who had been stranded due to technical issues with their original spacecraft.

SpaceX launch to go rescue the NASA astronauts abandoned by the Biden Administration. pic.twitter.com/PMg82iqm64

— Texas Patriot (@Texasbrn) March 14, 2025

Why Were Williams and Wilmore Stranded?

Williams and Wilmore arrived at the ISS in June 2024 aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. Initially, their stay was supposed to be short. However, technical issues with Starliner made it unsafe for their return, forcing them to remain at the ISS for nine months. The prolonged delay drew significant public and political attention, with critics blaming the Biden administration for the situation.

What Happens Next?

Crew-10 will spend a few days adjusting to the ISS and preparing for the transfer of the stranded astronauts. Williams, Wilmore, and other returning astronauts are expected to return to Earth on March 19, bringing an end to their unexpectedly extended stay.

Trump Urges SpaceX to Expedite Return of Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore from ISS, Musk Responds

January 29, 2025, 10:17 am

Elon Musk announced on Tuesday that US President Donald Trump had asked him to help bring astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore back from the International Space Station (ISS). The astronauts have been aboard since June 2024. Musk criticized the Biden administration for leaving them stranded for so long. He pointed out that NASA had already planned for SpaceX to bring them home earlier.

Musk Criticizes Biden Administration’s Delay

Musk referred to the situation as “terrible” and stated, “The @POTUS has asked @SpaceX to bring home the 2 astronauts stranded on the @Space_Station as soon as possible. We will do so.” He added, “Terrible that the Biden administration left them there so long.”

The @POTUS has asked @SpaceX to bring home the 2 astronauts stranded on the @Space_Station as soon as possible. We will do so.

Terrible that the Biden administration left them there so long.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 28, 2025

NASA’s Response to the Situation

In response, NASA reassured the public that the astronauts were not stranded. The space agency confirmed they were healthy and in good spirits. Williams and Wilmore launched to the ISS aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft in June 2024. Initially, their mission was planned for just 10 days, but unforeseen delays kept them aboard the ISS much longer than expected.

Spacecraft Issues Lead to Mission Delay

After reaching the ISS, the Starliner experienced technical problems. NASA and Boeing spent weeks investigating the issues. Eventually, they determined it was too risky to use the Starliner to bring the astronauts back. As a result, in August 2024, NASA requested that SpaceX bring Williams and Wilmore home aboard the Crew-9 mission. In order to accommodate them, NASA swapped two astronauts from the Crew-9 mission with Williams and Wilmore, adjusting their return timeline.

More Delays, But Early Return Now Possible

Initially, the astronauts were scheduled to return by February 2025. However, in December 2024, SpaceX needed more time to finalize the preparation of its new Dragon spacecraft for Crew-10. This caused Crew-9’s return mission to be delayed until March 2025, following Crew-10’s arrival at the ISS.

Nevertheless, Musk’s recent post suggests an earlier departure may be possible. He hinted that the Crew Dragon capsule, named “Freedom,” could leave the ISS sooner than expected, with Williams and Wilmore onboard.

NASA Offers $20K Prize For Lunar Rescue System To Safely Save Stranded Astronauts

December 5, 2024, 2:43 pm

NASA has announced an exciting opportunity for innovators to help develop a life-saving Lunar Rescue System to assist astronauts in distress on the Moon. The space agency is offering a grand prize of up to $20,000 for the best design capable of safely transporting an astronaut across the Moon’s rugged terrain. This initiative is part of NASA’s Artemis missions, which face significant challenges due to the Moon’s extreme conditions.

The challenge, known as the South Pole Safety Challenge: Lunar Rescue System, aims to create a solution that can transport a fully suited astronaut over two kilometers, including a 20-degree incline, without relying on a lunar rover. The Moon’s harsh environment presents several obstacles, including sharp rocks, deep craters, and steep slopes, making movement difficult even under optimal conditions.

NASA is particularly concerned about the potential for astronauts to become incapacitated due to injury or medical emergencies. In such cases, crewmates would need a reliable means to move the affected astronaut back to the lunar lander. “The unforgiving lunar environment demands innovative solutions,” said Sarah Duglas from NASA, speaking to The Sun.

The winning proposal will need to address several key criteria, including the weight and ease of transport, while also considering the impact on the astronaut’s Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Suit. The total prize pool for the competition is $45,000, and the deadline for submissions is January 23, 2025.

NASA is eager to find groundbreaking designs that will ensure astronaut safety during the Artemis missions, which are set to begin in September 2026. The winning entry will help lay the groundwork for safe lunar exploration and set new standards in space technology.

Where Did The ‘Toxic Smell’ On The ISS Come From? Astronauts React Swiftly

November 28, 2024, 1:38 pm

A strange ‘toxic smell‘ was detected onboard the International Space Station (ISS) shortly after the crew opened the hatch of the Progress MS-29 cargo spacecraft. This spacecraft had just docked with the ISS, bringing vital supplies onboard, including food and fuel. The incident prompted an immediate and coordinated response to ensure the safety of astronauts on board.

The Incident: Odour and Droplets

The unusual smell, accompanied by the discovery of small liquid droplets inside the Progress MS-29, was detected upon opening the spacecraft. Sensing a potential hazard, Commander Sunita Williams and the crew acted swiftly, sealing the hatch and isolating the affected area from the rest of the station to prevent the spread of any potential contaminants.

WATCH THE VIRAL VIDEO:

NASA’s Quick Response

NASA activated the station’s air-scrubbing systems to purify the environment, ensuring the rest of the ISS remained safe for its inhabitants. Crew members donned personal protective equipment (PPE) while monitoring air quality levels. The prompt action helped stabilize the situation, and NASA later confirmed that the air aboard the ISS had returned to normal, with no safety risks to the astronauts.

Ongoing Investigation

The source of the ‘toxic smell’ is unknown, and investigations are going on to determine whether it came from the Progress MS-29 spacecraft or through its connection vestibule to the ISS. However, the Progress MS-29 will still be docked for six months before returning back to Earth with waste materials.

Additional Challenges for the Crew

This air quality scare adds to the challenges already faced by ISS astronauts, particularly Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams, who have been stranded on the station since June due to delays in the Boeing Starliner spacecraft’s launch. The duo has been managing strict resource rations, including relying on recycled water. Their rescue mission, using a SpaceX Dragon capsule, is scheduled for February 2025.

The crew’s swift response underscores the importance of preparedness and teamwork in the unforgiving environment of space. Meanwhile, the investigation into the cargo spacecraft continues, ensuring future missions can address any potential risks.

Biden Jokes About Rescuing Stranded NASA Astronauts Sunita And Butch After 7 Months On ISS

November 16, 2024, 12:55 pm

At the APEC summit in Peru, President Joe Biden made a lighthearted comment about possibly being sent to space to rescue two NASA astronauts stranded aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Speaking with Peruvian President Dina Boluarte, Biden quipped about how his wife jokes about sending him to space when he misbehaves. “Every time my wife thinks I’m getting out of hand, she says, ‘I’m going to call [NASA Administrator] Bill Nelson and have him send you to space,’” Biden joked. “And I’m a little concerned he may want to send me to space because we got to get some folks back home!”

The joke came in the context of a situation involving veteran astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who have been stranded aboard the ISS for nearly seven months. The astronauts, originally scheduled for an eight-day mission aboard Boeing’s Starliner, have been unable to return due to a technical issue with the spacecraft, which made a trip back without them. Their return is now planned for February, when SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule will finally bring them home.

Biden’s remarks also touched on the US-Peru space collaboration, as Peru recently signed the US-led Artemis Accords on space exploration. He also acknowledged the country’s new agreement with the US for research rockets. However, his playful comments about the stranded astronauts came just after troubling reports regarding a leak on the ISS, which has raised concerns about the safety of the station.

ISS Leak Raises Concerns and Tensions Between US and Russia

The leak on the ISS has become a point of contention between NASA and Russia’s Roscosmos space agency. The leak, first detected in 2019, is in a module controlled by Russia and has been releasing air at a rate of 1.7 kilograms per day. Former NASA astronaut Bob Cabana recently expressed concerns about the structural integrity of the module, fearing a catastrophic failure. However, the Russian team disagrees, stating they do not believe the leak poses a significant threat of catastrophic disintegration. Despite these differing views, both teams continue efforts to find and seal the leaks, as the situation remains unresolved.

Biden’s joke, while lighthearted, highlights the ongoing struggles facing space agencies as they deal with complex technical challenges both on the ISS and with the stranded astronauts.

NASA Astronaut Sunita Williams’ Health Declines After Prolonged ISS Stay

November 6, 2024, 5:27 pm

NASA astronaut Sunita Williams faces health challenges after a six-month mission on the International Space Station (ISS), originally planned for eight days, due to a Starliner spacecraft malfunction. Alongside fellow astronaut Barry Wilmore, Williams’s health has become a growing concern as recent photos reveal a visibly leaner appearance, fueling worries about potential nutritional deficiencies, which are common in extended space missions.

Experts, like Seattle-based pulmonologist Dr. Vinay Gupta, expressed alarm, noting that her sunken cheeks and apparent weight loss suggest a calorie deficit. Dr. Gupta observed, “She appears to be experiencing the natural stresses of extended high-altitude conditions, even in a pressurized cabin.”

HAVE A LOOK AT THE VIRAL POST:

It looks like those two American astronauts stuck in the ISS are not in good health, especially Suni Williams.? pic.twitter.com/0bO64DUXeu

— ShanghaiPanda (@thinking_panda) November 1, 2024

Despite visible signs of strain, Sunita Williams was photographed enjoying pizza and snacks, though experts suspect her energy expenditure in the harsh space environment might exceed her calorie intake.

In space, astronauts typically exercise for 2.5 hours daily to prevent muscle and bone loss, a regimen essential to counteract the cold and weightless conditions of the ISS. Although Williams’s current condition doesn’t indicate immediate danger, Dr. Gupta questions whether her current weight is sustainable over the coming months as she awaits a

16 Sunrises in 24 Hours: Sunita Williams’ Space Journey

November 5, 2024, 7:41 am

Astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) enjoy an extraordinary view—seeing 16 sunrises and 16 sunsets daily. Currently on the ISS, NASA astronaut Sunita Williams witnesses this stunning cycle repeatedly each day.

Back in 2013, during an event at the University of Gujarat, Williams described this remarkable experience. At the event, held in the presence of then-Chief Minister Narendra Modi, she shared, “Because I had wanted to go to space and worked hard for it, I was lucky to see 16 sunrises and 16 sunsets in a day in a fast-moving space shuttle.”

Mission Extended and New Research Goals

However, Williams’ current mission on the ISS was recently extended due to delays in the Boeing Starliner’s return. She will now remain in orbit until at least February 2025. With her fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore, she is taking advantage of this additional time to conduct critical research. Additionally, she continues to enjoy space’s unique experiences, including the opportunity to view multiple sunrises and sunsets.

How Multiple Sunrises and Sunsets Occur

As the ISS travels around Earth, it moves at an impressive speed of about 28,000 kilometers per hour. Therefore, it completes a full orbit every 90 minutes. Consequently, as it shifts from Earth’s dark side to the sunlit side, astronauts see a sunrise or sunset every 45 minutes. This rapid orbiting speed allows them to witness day and night cycles 16 times within a single Earth day.

Adapting to a Fast Day-Night Cycle

In contrast to life on Earth, where day and night last about 12 hours each, the ISS experiences a much quicker rhythm. Every 45 minutes, astronauts shift between daylight and darkness, creating a unique cycle that repeats itself 16 times in a single day.

Keeping Time on the ISS

Because traditional day and night patterns don’t apply in space, astronauts rely on Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) to structure their daily schedules. In addition, their day is organized into strict five-minute intervals for work, meals, exercise, and rest. This well-regulated routine is essential for maintaining their physical and mental health in such an unusual environment.

Moreover, astronauts use atomic clocks for precise timekeeping and to synchronize with mission control on Earth. This precision is especially crucial for navigation, particularly during missions beyond Earth’s orbit.

‘Stranded’ Astronaut Sunita Williams Now Leads International Space Station

September 23, 2024, 6:33 pm

Indian-origin NASA astronaut Sunita Williams has taken command of the International Space Station. Originally on an eight-day mission, Williams’ stay was extended to over eight months due to technical issues with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft.

NASA recently confirmed that Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko passed the command of the space station to Williams during a ceremony aboard the station.

Kononenko, who has been on a year-long mission, is set to return to Earth with fellow astronauts Tracy C Dyson and Nikolai Chub.

Williams continues to work aboard the microgravity laboratory, contributing to scientific advancements and demonstrating technologies for future human and robotic missions.

NASA stated that “Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko handed over the command of the space station to Sunita Williams” as part of the station’s routine leadership transitions.

Sunita Williams to Address Earth from International Space Station Today

September 13, 2024, 4:42 pm

NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore will conduct a live call to Earth from the International Space Station (ISS) today, September 13, at 2:15 p.m. EDT. The press conference will be held at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.

Williams and Wilmore, who launched aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft on June 5, arrived at the ISS on June 6. The Starliner was later returned to Earth uncrewed on September 6 after a successful mission, landing safely at White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico. Both astronauts expressed their gratitude to the support teams for the successful return of the spacecraft, referring to it by its nickname, “Calypso.”

Williams and Wilmore will remain on the ISS as part of the Expedition 71/72 crew and are scheduled to return to Earth in February 2025 aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft with two other crew members as part of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 mission.

In related news, the Polaris Dawn crew, part of Elon Musk’s private spaceflight program, achieved a milestone by completing the first commercial spacewalk. Wearing newly-designed SpaceX extravehicular activity (EVA) suits, the crew performed a two-hour operation at 3:12 a.m. EDT while traveling at 17,500 miles per hour in an elliptical orbit. The spacewalk involved Commander Jared Isaacman and Mission Specialist Sarah Gillis, who tested the suits and Dragon mobility aid “Skywalker,” while Mission Pilot Scott Poteet and Mission Specialist Anna Menon provided support.

Polaris Dawn’s mission, a key component of the Polaris Program aimed at advancing human spaceflight, is set to target splashdown off the coast of Florida. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson congratulated SpaceX and the Polaris Dawn crew, highlighting the achievement as a significant step forward for the commercial space industry and NASA’s goal of a vibrant U.S. space economy.

NASA Extends Space Mission for Astronauts Wilmore and Williams Until Feb 2025

August 25, 2024, 8:29 pm

NASA has announced that astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams will remain in space until February 2025 due to safety concerns. The decision comes as it is deemed “too risky” to bring them back to Earth at this time. Consequently, Boeing’s Starliner capsule will return without the two astronauts.
Wilmore and Williams, who arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) in June as part of NASA’s Boeing Crew Flight Test, will continue their duties as members of the Expedition 71/72 crew. Their mission will now be extended to approximately eight months, rather than the initially planned one week. They are scheduled to return aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft with additional crew members from the SpaceX Crew-9 mission.
NASA stated that the uncrewed return of the Starliner capsule will allow for ongoing testing and data collection, ensuring that the spacecraft’s systems are thoroughly evaluated without endangering the crew. The Starliner is expected to depart the ISS and make a controlled, autonomous re-entry in early September.
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson emphasized the commitment to safety as the primary reason for the decision. “Spaceflight is inherently risky, and a test flight is neither safe nor routine,” Nelson said. “Our decision to keep Butch and Sunita aboard the ISS and send the Starliner home uncrewed reflects our core value of safety.”
Problems with the Starliner, including helium leaks and issues with the spacecraft’s reaction control thrusters, were identified on June 6 as it approached the ISS. Since then, extensive engineering work has been undertaken, including data analysis, flight and ground testing, and independent reviews. These measures have highlighted that the current uncertainties do not meet the stringent safety and performance standards required for human spaceflight.
In light of these developments, NASA has opted to transfer Wilmore and Williams to the Crew-9 mission, ensuring their safe return while allowing for continued evaluation and improvements of the Starliner’s systems.

NASA Chief Blasts Boeing’s Quality Control, Recommends Heavy Penalties

August 13, 2024, 4:17 pm

A recent report from NASA’s Office of the Inspector General (OIG) has strongly criticized Boeing for serious lapses in quality control, which have led to two astronauts being stranded on the International Space Station (ISS).

Released on Wednesday, the report has also recommended financial penalties against Boeing due to its failure to adhere to quality control standards.

Boeing’s Quality Management Issues

The report sheds light on Boeing’s poor handling of its spacecraft production, particularly the Starliner spacecraft, which was intended to transport two astronauts on a nine-day mission in June. However, due to ongoing technical issues and delays, the mission has been extended into August, and it’s likely the astronauts will remain in space until 2025.

NASA’s OIG, in collaboration with the Pentagon’s Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), conducted an investigation into Boeing’s operations, revealing numerous administrative errors and inadequate responses to quality control problems.

The report highlights that Boeing’s efforts to address quality and product issues have been “ineffective,” with the company often failing to take corrective actions even when the same problems reoccur.

One particularly concerning discovery was related to a liquid oxygen fuel tank dome, a critical part that was poorly assembled due to substandard welding. This issue has raised serious doubts about the overall quality of Boeing’s work on the Starliner spacecraft.

Pentagon’s Role

To thoroughly examine these issues, NASA’s OIG enlisted the help of the Pentagon’s DCMA. The DCMA team was responsible for overseeing Boeing’s core and upper-stage manufacturing activities at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans.

Between 2021 and 2023, the team issued 71 Corrective Action Requests (CARs) at Levels I and II, indicating significant deficiencies in Boeing’s quality control processes.

A draft for a more severe Level III CAR, which could have led to withheld contract payments and alerted Boeing’s top executives, was prepared but not sent. The high number of CARs for a spaceflight system at this stage of development indicates a persistent and deteriorating state of quality control at Boeing.

The welding issues were attributed to Boeing’s inexperienced technicians and poor work order planning and supervision. The report warned that without a properly trained and qualified workforce, Boeing risks continuing to produce parts and components that do not meet NASA’s standards and industry requirements.

NASA’s Response and the Astronauts’ Status

Although the OIG report raised concerns about Boeing’s quality control, NASA officials have downplayed the risk to the astronauts on the ISS. NASA emphasized that the astronauts are not stranded and that the Starliner spacecraft could still be used as an emergency lifeboat if necessary.

However, the report’s findings have caused unease within the space agency. Former NASA executive Scott Hubbard, who was part of the Columbia Accident Investigation Board in 2003, acknowledged that while the astronauts are “kind of stuck,” they are not in immediate danger. They remain safe aboard the ISS with enough supplies and work to keep them occupied.

Boeing has defended the Starliner’s capabilities, asserting that the spacecraft could safely return the astronauts to Earth if required. The company also stated that it would follow NASA’s decision if the agency chooses to bring the capsule back empty.

In a statement, Boeing detailed the extensive tests conducted on the Starliner’s thrusters since liftoff and expressed confidence in the spacecraft’s capabilities and flight rationale. However, the company’s repeated quality control failures and the damning findings of the NASA OIG report have raised serious questions about its ability to meet the rigorous demands of spaceflight.

The report’s recommendation for financial penalties and the continued scrutiny from both NASA and the Pentagon suggest that Boeing will face significant challenges in rebuilding trust and ensuring the safety and reliability of its future space missions.

Sunita Williams Takes Shelter In Starliner Amid Satellite Breakups

June 28, 2024, 3:17 pm

During a critical incident on the International Space Station, NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore had to seek emergency refuge in Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft and other available return vehicles.

An emergency directive was issued on Wednesday due to space debris posing a threat to the orbiting laboratory. The situation arose following reports to NASA of a satellite breaking apart near the station’s altitude.

As a routine safety measure, Mission Control directed all crew members to take shelter in their spacecraft. Williams and Wilmore, who have been on the ISS since June 5, sought refuge in the Starliner capsule.

For about an hour, Mission Control carefully tracked the trajectory of the debris as the astronauts stayed in their protective shelters. Once it was confirmed that the immediate danger had subsided, the crew received permission to leave their spacecraft and continue their usual activities on the station.

This event underscores the space debris challenge and orbital safety protocols. It also showcased Starliner’s role as a potential ISS lifeboat, vital for crew safety. The event occurs during an extended period for Williams and Wilmore, whose return to Earth has been postponed because of technical problems with the Starliner spacecraft.

Originally planned for an 8-day mission, the astronauts have now been in space for more than three weeks due to ongoing efforts by NASA and Boeing to address helium leaks and thruster issues affecting the capsule.

Despite these obstacles, NASA has affirmed the Starliner’s ability to safely bring the astronauts back to Earth if needed. This recent incident highlights the spacecraft’s crucial role in ensuring crew safety.

As space missions expand, managing orbital debris remains a significant priority for space agencies globally.

NASA: Return Date Of Astronaut Sunita Williams To Earth?

June 27, 2024, 4:06 pm

Two NASA astronauts, Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore, are presently marooned aboard the International Space Station (ISS) without a confirmed schedule for their return to Earth. Delays in their return have been caused by multiple technical issues with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft.

Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program said, “We are taking our time and following our standard mission management team process.”

He added, “We are letting the data drive our decision-making relative to managing the small helium system leaks and thruster performance we observed during rendezvous and docking.

Wilmore and Williams were sent into space from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on June 5 using the Starliner spacecraft, and they reached the ISS the next day. This mission is part of NASA‘s Commercial Crew Program, which aims to determine if Boeing’s spacecraft can be certified for regular missions to and from the ISS.

Nasa and Boeing have confirmed the safety of the crew on board the ISS, ensuring sufficient supplies and a flexible schedule until mid-August. Wilmore and Williams are currently fully integrated into the Expedition 71 team, supporting station operations and achieving goals crucial for NASA’s potential certification of Starliner.

Mark Nappi, vice president and program manager of Boeing’s Starliner program, stated, “The crew’s feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and they know that every bit of learning we do on the Crew Flight Test will improve and sharpen our experience for future crews.

Before its launch, the Starliner faced multiple challenges, including delays due to an oxygen valve issue on a United Launch Alliance (ULA) rocket and a minor helium leak in the service module.

Following its five-day docking at the ISS, NASA and Boeing noted five “minor” helium leaks on the spacecraft, ensuring that there was ample helium for the return journey.

Sunita Williams, Others Stranded on ISS After Spacecraft Faces Tech Glitch

June 16, 2024, 5:06 pm

Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft faces extended stay at the International Space Station, highlighting ongoing challenges for the capsule. As a result, astronauts from a recent mission to the space station will remain longer than initially planned, with their return now scheduled for June 22 and the possibility of further delay.

NASA stated that the postponement provides additional time for NASA and Boeing to strategize the astronauts’ return journey to Earth.

NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams were launched aboard Starliner on June 5 and docked at the ISS the following day. Their journey involved addressing four helium leaks and encountering five failures among the spacecraft’s 28 manoeuvring thrusters during the 24-hour flight.

Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft is now aiming for a departure no earlier than June 22, with the possibility of further extensions at the International Space Station (ISS). While originally designed for future six-month missions, Starliner is limited to a maximum of 45 days docked during its current mission.

The return journey to Earth is anticipated to span approximately six hours, targeting a landing site in the deserts of Utah, New Mexico, or alternative backup locations contingent upon local weather conditions.

This mission marks a pivotal final test for Starliner, which has faced numerous delays and cost overruns. Successful completion is crucial for NASA to certify the spacecraft for routine astronaut missions, thereby bolstering the US fleet alongside SpaceX’s Crew Dragon.

During its stay at the ISS, the spacecraft has encountered additional issues. NASA reported a fifth helium leak affecting Starliner’s propulsion system thrusters, along with a separate problem involving a stuck oxidizer valve. These in-flight challenges add to Boeing’s longstanding difficulties with Starliner, dating back to a 2019 uncrewed test failure marked by numerous software glitches, design flaws, and management issues that prevented docking with the ISS. A subsequent uncrewed test in 2022 was successful.

If the return of two astronauts aboard Starliner proceeds according to plan, Boeing still faces further hurdles in making the spacecraft operational and available for commercial use beyond NASA missions.

‘Boeing Starliner – Crafted by Astronauts, for Astronauts’: Sunita Williams

June 11, 2024, 7:37 pm

Sunita Williams, an Indian-origin astronaut, has played a significant role in the development of the Starliner space capsule, which prioritizes safety and comfort for astronauts.

The capsule, designed by Boeing, stands at 5 meters tall with a diameter of 4.6 meters and weighs 13,000 kilograms during liftoff. It can accommodate up to seven crew members but typically carries four to five on NASA missions.

Each crew module is reusable for up to 10 missions, while service modules are mission-specific and are jettisoned in space. The Starliner is capable of both crew and cargo missions to low-Earth orbit. Williams praised the spacecraft’s capabilities, highlighting its autonomous features for docking, undocking, and landing.

During a recent video call with students, she mentioned the possibility of extending the current mission to two weeks to test the spacecraft’s performance after a period of inactivity. The inaugural crew includes experienced astronauts such as Barry “Butch” Wilmore. Williams named the spacecraft “Calypso,” inspired by Jacques-Yves Cousteau’s famous ship.

The mission, although delayed, is crucial for NASA’s goal of certifying a second commercial vehicle for crew transport to the International Space Station (ISS). While SpaceX has already been ferrying astronauts to the ISS using its Crew Dragon module, NASA is relying on the success of the Starliner to diversify its options. The mission aims to test the spacecraft and its subsystems thoroughly before final certification.

Additionally, NASA plans to sell the extra fifth seat on missions to potential customers, including commercial astronauts and private citizens. India’s involvement in space exploration includes plans for its own crewed missions, such as the Gaganyaan Mission, slated for around 2026. Williams expressed contentment with life on the ISS, emphasizing the camaraderie among crew members.

Sunita Williams Set For 3rd Space Mission On NASA’s Boeing Starliner

June 1, 2024, 1:21 pm

Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams will pilot the ‘Starliner’ as it launches into space on Saturday. This comes after delays in the joint mission by NASA and aerospace giant Boeing. This flight will be Williams’ third journey into space.

According to NASA, the International Space Station (ISS) launch is set to take off from Florida’s Kennedy Space Center around 10 pm Indian Standard Time today.

Sunita ‘Suni’ Williams and fellow NASA astronaut Barry ‘Butch’ Wilmore will be the first crew members to board the Starliner spacecraft as part of the US space agency’s Commercial Crew Program.

NASA, Boeing, and United Launch Alliance (ULA) have confirmed their readiness for the June 1 launch of the agency’s Boeing Crew Flight Test. This announcement was made during a prelaunch media briefing at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Steve Stich, NASA’s Commercial Crew Program manager said: “I’m very proud of the teams who have worked hard the last two and a half weeks to prepare for launch.” “We’re ready to go fly.”

The Starliner spacecraft will launch aboard an Atlas 5 rocket from ULA, docking with the ISS on Sunday for a week of tests. Afterward, it will undock, re-enter Earth’s atmosphere, and land in the southwestern U.S. on June 10. If successful, NASA will begin certifying Starliner for crewed missions. The capsule will carry four astronauts or a mix of crew and cargo for low Earth orbit missions.

While onboard, Sunita Williams set a world record for women with four spacewalks and returned to Earth with shuttle Atlantis’ STS-117 on June 22, 2007. Selected by NASA in June 1998, she has spent 322 days in space on two missions, with 50 hours and 40 minutes of EVA time across seven spacewalks. She collaborated with Roscosmos on its space station contributions and the first Expedition crew.

Boeing plans six manned missions over the next six years, the projected end of the ISS’ lifespan. NASA will use both SpaceX’s Dragon and Boeing’s Starliner to send astronauts every six months from the US. In 2014, NASA tasked Boeing and SpaceX with commercial crew missions to the ISS, granting Boeing over USD 4 billion and SpaceX about USD 2.6 billion.