NASA Must Decide How to Bring Back Astronauts from Space
August 11, 2024 – NASA is facing the imminent decision of how to bring back to Earth the two astronauts currently aboard the International Space Station.
The agency announced this week that astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunny Williams, who arrived at the ISS aboard the Boeing Starliner capsule, could potentially extend their stay in space by several months. While they could eventually return to Earth in the SpaceX capsule, the agency has not made any official announcements regarding their return method.
Both Wilmore and Williams are experienced test pilots, each with two previous trips to the ISS under their belts. Wilmore has accumulated 178 days in space, while Williams has spent 322 days in orbit.
“It’s great to be back here,” said Wilmore after docking the Starliner with the ISS. “We’re having a great time.”
The typical duration of an astronaut mission to the ISS is six months, with some exceptions reaching a year. If Wilmore and Williams were to return to Earth via SpaceX, their eight-month mission would fall within the normal range. However, their families may be eagerly anticipating their return, considering their advanced ages.
Wilmore, 61, has two daughters and was selected as an astronaut in 2000. He has completed four spacewalks during his career. Williams, 58, is known for her seven spacewalks and enjoys repairing cars and airplanes with her husband. She is also the first person to complete a triathlon in space.
The two astronauts are currently assisting the seven other people aboard the ISS as they await their return to Earth.