NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry “Butch” Wilmore have been stuck aboard the International Space Station (ISS) for over two months. According to officials, technical issues on the Boeing Starliner spacecraft delayed return until February 2025. The astronauts are keeping busy, conducting experiments, and maintaining the space station while waiting for SpaceX to bring them home.
The mission was initially designed as a test flight, but helium leaks and control thruster problems were discovered, making a safe return impossible. NASA has announced that the Starliner will return to Earth without a crew. Instead, a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule will take the astronauts back to Earth in early 2025.
NASA has assured the public that the astronauts are in good spirits, using their time on the ISS productively. Williams and Wilmore are no strangers to space missions, having both completed long-duration stays in the past.
There were initial concerns about the astronauts running out of food and water, but NASA quickly dismissed these fears. They explained that regular resupply missions to the ISS have ensured ample supplies. The situation shows the need for detailed planning in future missions, particularly when relying on new spacecraft technology and designs.
The public’s view on space exploration is divided. According to a Pew Research study, while 69% of Americans believe that continued U.S. leadership in space is essential, only 35% are personally interested in going to space themselves.
“It doesn’t persuade me to think that it’s really safe, and that it’s really worth going up there,” said Mt. Eden senior Michelle Ramos.
However, others remain optimistic about the future of space exploration.
“I feel like we are born here, we die here, you know, to get the opportunity to leave, it’s really something that interests me, and I want to leave immediately,” said Mt. Eden senior Miguel Morales.
The delays have raised questions about the role of public versus private funding in space exploration. NASA’s program is publicly funded, and has been troubled by technical issues, while the SpaceX program with private funding has generally been more successful in sending astronauts to and from the ISS.
Some critics argue that more public investment is needed to ensure safety and reliability, while others reference the success of private companies like SpaceX as proof that competition and private funding can drive progress.
Mt. Eden teacher Dave Gurley’s wants to get moving.
“Here we went all the way to the moon, and then we’ve spent the last 70 years wallowing around in our own orbit… There’s a lot more that could be done,” said Gurley.
