NASA Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore to Return on SpaceX Crew Dragon

Astronauts Sunita Williams, Butch Wilmore to return to Earth in February 2025: Nasa - Times of India

NEW DELHI: Nasa on Saturday announced that astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore will return to Earth from the International Space Station (ISS) in February 2025. Initially launched on June 5 aboard Boeing's CST-100 Starliner spacecraft for an eight-day mission, their stay has extended to nearly 80 days due to various technical issues with the spacecraft, including thruster failures and helium leaks. They will now stay on the ISS for another 6 months before they are able to return on SpaceX's Crew Dragon capsule. Nasa had been conducting thorough assessments to ensure the safety of the Starliner and its crew. Nasa administrator Bill Nelson, however, said on Saturday the Starliner will now return to Earth uncrewed. The agency had been reviewing data from both space and ground tests to evaluate the spacecraft's performance and readiness for the return journey. This included a Program Control Board and an Agency Flight Readiness Review, with the final decision expected after these evaluations. Big blow for Boeing The agency's decision, tapping Boeing's top space rival to return the astronauts, is one of Nasa's most consequential in years. Boeing had hoped its Starliner test mission would redeem the troubled program after years of development problems and over $1.6 billion in budget overruns since 2016. Boeing struggled for years to develop Starliner, a gumdrop-shaped capsule designed to compete with Crew Dragon as a second U.S. option for sending astronaut crews to and from Earth's orbit. Starliner failed a 2019 test to launch to the ISS uncrewed, but mostly succeeded in a 2022 do-over attempt where it also encountered thruster problems. Its June mission with its first crew was required before NASA can certify the capsule for routine flights, but now Starliner's crew certification path has been upended. Since Starliner docked to the ISS in June, Boeing has scrambled to investigate what caused its thruster mishaps and helium leaks. The company arranged tests and simulations on Earth to gather data that it has used to try and convince NASA officials that Starliner is safe to fly the crew back home. But results from that testing raised more difficult engineering questions and ultimately failed to quell NASA officials' concerns about Starliner's ability to make its crewed return trip - the most daunting and complex part of the test mission. NASA's decision, and Starliner's now-uncertain path to certification, will add to the crises faced by Ortberg, who started this month with the goal to rebuild the planemaker's reputation after a door panel dramatically blew off a 737 MAX passenger jet in midair in January. (This is a developing story) The TOI Science Desk stands as an inquisitive team of journalists, ceaselessly delving into the realms of discovery to curate a captivating collection of news, features, and articles from the vast and ever-evolving world of science for the readers of The Times of India. Consider us your scientific companion, delivering a daily dose of wonder and enlightenment. Whether it's the intricacies of genetic engineering, the marvels of space exploration, or the latest in artificial intelligence, the TOI Science Desk ensures you stay connected to the pulse of the scientific world. At the TOI Science Desk, we are not just reporters; we are storytellers of scientific narratives. We are committed to demystifying the intricacies of science, making it accessible and engaging for readers of all backgrounds. Join us as we craft knowledge with precision and passion, bringing you on a journey where the mysteries of the universe unfold with every word.

Stuck Nasa astronauts Sunita Williams, Butch Wilmore on Boeing's Starliner to return to Earth with rival SpaceX - Times of India

Two US astronauts who arrived at the International Space Station aboard Boeing's Starliner will now have to stay six more months and return to Earth with the rival firm SpaceX, Nasa announced Saturday. The decision was made due to thruster malfunctions on the Boeing spacecraft which delayed the astronauts' return. Nasa administrator Bill Nelson claims that this move prioritizes safety, with the Starliner set to return uncrewed in early September. Meanwhile, The SpaceX Crew-9 mission, launching in late September, will carry additional cargo, personal effects, and Dragon-specific spacesuits for the stranded astronauts while taking only two passengers instead of the planned four.This mission will dock once the Starliner departs, freeing a port on the ISS. Barry "Butch" Wilmore and Sunita "Suni" Williams, the two astronauts, initially planned to return after eight days in orbit. However, due to malfunctions, their stay has been extended to a total of eight months. "Space flight is risky even at its safest and even at its most routine," said Nelson, quoted by AFP. "A test flight, by nature, is neither safe, nor routine." He further said, "The decision to keep the astronauts on the ISS and return the Starliner uncrewed is the result of our commitment to safety. Our core value is safety." The approach allows Nasa and Boeing to gather more data on Starliner during its return flight while minimizing risk to the crew. " NASA will return @BoeingSpace's #Starliner to Earth without @NASA_Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams aboard the spacecraft. The uncrewed return allows NASA and Boeing to continue gathering testing data on Starliner during its upcoming flight home, while also not accepting more risk than necessary for its crew. Wilmore and Williams will continue their work formally as part of the Expedition 71/72 crew through February 2025. They will fly home aboard a Dragon spacecraft with two other crew members assigned to the agency's SpaceX #Crew9 mission. Starliner is expected to depart from the @Space_Station and make a safe, controlled autonomous re-entry and landing in early September," according to Nasa Commericial crew's statement on X (formerly Twitter). SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell echoed this sentiment in a social media post, keeping the focus on safety. "SpaceX stands ready to support @NASA however we can," she said quoting the Nasa post on X revealing the details of the SpaceX mission. This development is another challenge for Boeing, a company already facing scrutiny over safety and quality concerns in its airplane division. Despite this setback, Nasa has reiterated its trust in Boeing and aims to continue collaboration to maintain two capable vehicles for ferrying astronauts to and from the ISS. "I am 100 percent sure Boeing will launch Starliner again with a crew on board, said Nelson After years of delays, Starliner launched on June 5, carrying the two astronauts to the ISS. However, a day later, as Starliner neared the space station, helium leaks and issues with the spacecraft's reaction control thrusters were identified. Intense efforts to diagnose and fix these problems led to Nasa postponing the astronauts' return indefinitely. The primary concern was Starliner's potential lack of propulsive power needed for a safe descent to Earth. Nasa officials met with Nelson and concluded that the safest option was to return the astronauts on a SpaceX vehicle scheduled for February. "It was just too much risk with the crew," said senior Nasa official Steve Stich. Norm Knight, another Nasa official, added, "The astronauts support the agency's decision fully." However, officials affirm that the astronauts have sufficient supplies on the ISS and are trained for extended stays. However, the new plan reallocates resources and efforts to ensure their safe return. The TOI Science Desk stands as an inquisitive team of journalists, ceaselessly delving into the realms of discovery to curate a captivating collection of news, features, and articles from the vast and ever-evolving world of science for the readers of The Times of India. Consider us your scientific companion, delivering a daily dose of wonder and enlightenment. Whether it's the intricacies of genetic engineering, the marvels of space exploration, or the latest in artificial intelligence, the TOI Science Desk ensures you stay connected to the pulse of the scientific world. At the TOI Science Desk, we are not just reporters; we are storytellers of scientific narratives. We are committed to demystifying the intricacies of science, making it accessible and engaging for readers of all backgrounds. Join us as we craft knowledge with precision and passion, bringing you on a journey where the mysteries of the universe unfold with every word.

Who are Nasa pioneers flying on Boeing's Starliner? Set to return with SpaceX - Times of India

Two veteran Nasa astronauts, Barry "Butch" Wilmore and Sunita "Suni" Williams, who together have more than 500 days of spaceflight experience, became the first crew to launch aboard Boeing's Starliner space capsule on a test flight from Florida on June 5. Initially scheduled to return to Earth after about eight days, their mission has now been extended until early next year. Nasa decided to delay their return after deeming the Starliner's propulsion system issues, including leaks and thruster failures, too risky. The astronauts will instead return on a SpaceX vehicle. Due to leaks and thruster failures on the Starliner capsule, the mission of the two astronauts at the International Space Station (ISS) has been extended by several months. Here are further details about the astronauts: Barry Wilmore Barry "Butch" Wilmore, 61, is a retired US navy captain who served as a fighter pilot, completing four operational deployments, including 21 combat missions during the first Gulf War in the 1990s. Before joining Nasa's astronaut corps in 2000, Wilmore worked as a Navy test pilot and flight instructor. His space career began in 2009 when he first flew to the International Space Station (ISS) as a pilot on a Nasa space shuttle mission. He returned to the ISS in 2014 on a long-duration mission aboard a Russian Soyuz spacecraft, spending several months as the station commander. Prior to his current mission on the Starliner, Wilmore had accumulated 178 days in space and completed four spacewalks. A native of Tennessee, Wilmore played college football at Tennessee Tech University and holds advanced degrees in electrical engineering and aviation systems. He is married and has two daughters. Sunita Williams Sunita "Suni" Williams, 58, is a former US navy helicopter pilot with extensive experience flying over 30 different rotary aircraft. In the first Gulf War, she was part of a helicopter combat support squadron and later supported disaster relief operations in Florida following Hurricane Andrew. She returned to the naval test pilot school as a rotary aircraft instructor before joining Nasa's astronaut program in 1998. Williams first travelled to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard a space shuttle and returned for a long-duration mission as a Soyuz passenger with two cosmonauts. Her two ISS tours, in 2006-2007 and 2012, were focused on science expeditions. During her time aboard the ISS, Williams set a world record for the most time spent by a woman in orbit outside a spacecraft, totalling 50 hours and 40 minutes across seven spacewalks. However, her record has since been surpassed by Peggy Whitson, Williams remains notable for her achievements. In 2012, she became the second woman to serve as ISS commander. An enthusiastic athlete, Williams became the first person to complete a marathon in space in 2007, virtually participating in the Boston Marathon and finishing in four hours and 24 minutes using the space station's treadmill. In 2012, Sunita Williams completed the first triathlon in space, using the space station's treadmill, stationary bicycle, and a resistance machine. Before her Starliner mission, she had spent 322 days in space and was the first woman on the inaugural crewed flight of a new spacecraft. Originally from Massachusetts, Williams now resides in Houston with her husband, a former helicopter pilot and current federal police officer. The TOI Science Desk stands as an inquisitive team of journalists, ceaselessly delving into the realms of discovery to curate a captivating collection of news, features, and articles from the vast and ever-evolving world of science for the readers of The Times of India. Consider us your scientific companion, delivering a daily dose of wonder and enlightenment. Whether it's the intricacies of genetic engineering, the marvels of space exploration, or the latest in artificial intelligence, the TOI Science Desk ensures you stay connected to the pulse of the scientific world. At the TOI Science Desk, we are not just reporters; we are storytellers of scientific narratives. We are committed to demystifying the intricacies of science, making it accessible and engaging for readers of all backgrounds. Join us as we craft knowledge with precision and passion, bringing you on a journey where the mysteries of the universe unfold with every word.

When will Sunita Williams return to Earth? Nasa to give big update today - Times of India

NEW DELHI: Nasa is set to provide a significant update on Saturday regarding the return of astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore from the International Space Station (ISS). Initially launched on June 5 aboard Boeing's CST-100 Starliner spacecraft for an eight-day mission, their stay has extended to nearly 80 days due to various technical issues with the spacecraft, including thruster failures and helium leaks. The decision on their return is crucial, and Nasa has been conducting thorough assessments to ensure the safety of the Starliner and its crew. The agency has been reviewing data from both space and ground tests to evaluate the spacecraft's performance and readiness for the return journey. This includes a Program Control Board and an Agency Flight Readiness Review, with the final decision expected after these evaluations. Nasa administrator Bill Nelson and other officials will discuss the findings from these reviews during a press conference scheduled for 1pm EDT (11pm IST). The agency is weighing whether to proceed with the Starliner for the astronauts' return or to switch to SpaceX's Crew Dragon capsule as a backup plan. The latter option, while viable, would significantly delay their return, potentially pushing it to February 2025. The Starliner mission is critical for Boeing, which has already faced substantial financial setbacks in its development. The outcome of Saturday's announcement will not only affect the immediate return of Williams and Wilmore but will also have broader implications for future crewed missions and the collaboration between Nasa and commercial partners like Boeing and SpaceX. As the space community eagerly awaits the announcement, the astronauts continue their work aboard the ISS, contributing to scientific research despite the uncertainty surrounding their return. The TOI Science Desk stands as an inquisitive team of journalists, ceaselessly delving into the realms of discovery to curate a captivating collection of news, features, and articles from the vast and ever-evolving world of science for the readers of The Times of India. Consider us your scientific companion, delivering a daily dose of wonder and enlightenment. Whether it's the intricacies of genetic engineering, the marvels of space exploration, or the latest in artificial intelligence, the TOI Science Desk ensures you stay connected to the pulse of the scientific world. At the TOI Science Desk, we are not just reporters; we are storytellers of scientific narratives. We are committed to demystifying the intricacies of science, making it accessible and engaging for readers of all backgrounds. Join us as we craft knowledge with precision and passion, bringing you on a journey where the mysteries of the universe unfold with every word.