What was meant to be a brief journey has turned into an unexpected extended stay for two American astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Barry Wilmore, 61, and Sunita Williams, 58, set off on a test mission on June 5, expecting to return home within days. Instead, two months later, they remain stranded in space facing the unsettling reality that they might spend not just the summer but possibly Christmas and New Year far above Earth.
The mission, which was the first crewed flight of Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, aimed to evaluate the new spacecraft’s performance before it is used for regular operations. Unfortunately, the mission did not go as planned. As the Starliner approached the ISS, a series of technical problems arose, including leaks in its propulsion system and the failure of some thrusters. Although the spacecraft successfully docked with the ISS, these issues have left the astronauts without a safe means to return to Earth.
NASA is now considering an alternative rescue plan. The upcoming Crew-9 mission, scheduled to launch on August 18, could be modified to bring Wilmore and Williams back home. Originally intended to carry four astronauts to the ISS, the mission might now carry only two, leaving space for the stranded duo to return. If this plan is adopted, the Starliner would be guided back to Earth remotely, without any crew on board.
The extended stay in space has taken a toll on the astronaut’s health. Prolonged exposure to microgravity is known to cause various physical challenges, including muscle loss, reduced bone density, and even potential vision problems. These issues underscore the difficulties astronauts face during long-duration space missions and raise concerns about the impact on their well-being.
