It’s not a horror movie or a science fiction movie. Two astronauts are trapped in space and NASA could bring them back as early as February 2025.
Astronauts Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Sunita “Suni” Williams started their mission on June 5, 2024. They were initially supposed to stay on the International Space Station (ISS) for just eight days, but their return has been delayed due to issues with their spacecraft, Boeing’s Starliner.
Two Astronauts are Stuck in Space and We Don’t Know When They’re Coming Back
Their extended stay are due to some problems with the Starliner’s thrusters and helium leaks. These issues have raised concerns about the spacecraft’s ability to safely return the astronauts to Earth.
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NASA is also considering alternative options, including using a SpaceX flight to bring them back, which could mean they might stay on the ISS until February 2025.
Two astronauts are stuck on the International Space Station thanks to their Boeing Starliner malfunctioning on the way to the space station. Boeing engineers aren’t confident the craft is safe to use to bring them back. Elon Musk and SpaceX might be the ones who have to end up… pic.twitter.com/5dAsB4pKWP
— Conservative News Feed (@C_N_F__on__X) August 8, 2024
“Our prime option is to return Butch and Suni on Starliner. However, we have done the requisite planning to make sure we have other options open and so we have been working with SpaceX to ensure they are ready to respond,” said Steve Stich, program manager for NASA’s Commercial Crew Program.
Since they still don’t have a confirmed return date for the two astronauts, NASA is even been considering of requesting a return on a Russian Soyuz spacecraft.
What are the Main Risks for Barry and Sunita?
Extended stays in space come with several risks and challenges for these two astronauts:
- Bone Density Loss: In microgravity, bones lose minerals, leading to decreased bone density and increased risk of fractures.
- Muscle Atrophy: Without regular use, muscles weaken and shrink. Astronauts must exercise daily to mitigate this.
- Radiation Exposure: Space lacks Earth’s protective atmosphere, exposing astronauts to higher levels of cosmic radiation, which can increase cancer risk.
- Psychological Effects: Isolation and confinement can lead to stress, anxiety, and depression. Maintaining mental health is crucial.
- Vision Changes: Some astronauts experience vision problems due to fluid shifts in the body, which can affect the shape of the eye.
- Immune System Changes: The immune system can become less effective, making astronauts more susceptible to infections.
NASA and other space agencies work hard to mitigate these risks through rigorous training, medical monitoring, and research.
