Published By: Soham Halder

The Race Against Time Begins for Sunita Williams: Uncertainties, Updates & Anticipations as NASA Sets This Reentry Deadline

Will Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore ever be able to come back to the earth?

Sunita Williams along with Butch Willmore, part of Boeing Starliner spacecraft, have been stuck in space over 50 days due to an unprecedented “helium leaks and thruster issues,” according to NASA press release. Originally planned for a 10-day stay in International Space Station (ISS), it was all going well till docking. While space engineers are working on fixing the issue, the space agency has set a deadline for their return. In this article, we will discuss about uncertainties, recent updates about safe return of those two astronauts.

The Deadline:

Currently, NASA is preparing for the launch of Crew-9, scheduled on August 18. Meanwhile, only one spacecraft can be docked to the space station. Thus, Sunita and Butch have to leave the ISS prior to that that. The clock is ticking fast!

Is it Common to Face Technical Issues in Space?

Well, it's a very tough question to answer. Wilmore recently said: “human space flight is not easy in any regime and there have been multiple issues with every spacecraft that has ever been designed, and that's the nature of what we do.”

“The mantra you have heard that failure is not an option, that's why we are staying here now,” he added.

Emergency Re-entry?

Steve Stich, manager of NASA's Commercial Crew Program, said “Starliner could return if absolutely necessary. Starliner is 'go' to return in an emergency.”

The “absolutely necessary” condition will arise “if the Starliner capsule must serve as an escape pod from the ISS in an emergency or if any of Starliner's perishable items – such as its solar panels - show signs of expiring earlier than planned,” according to the company.

Credit - @NASA x handle

Will the Spacecraft become Functional Again?

According to Butch Wilmore who tested a ‘Safe Haven procedure’ said “The test went well.”

Meanwhile, Sunita Williams explained: “to make sure that we have all the emergency equipment laid out and we need to have to get into or spacecraft and use it as a safe haven – in case something happens to the space station.”

Current Status of the Spacecraft:

NASA had previously rescheduled the return thrice. Yet, no date is fixed. Boeing in a recent update on August 3 mentioned: “Tests were conducted and they confirmed that 27 of 28 RCS [reaction control system] thrusters are healthy and back to full operational capability.”

For smooth reentry, each thruster should function properly, otherwise there will be risks of malfunction during return trip.

Is there any Alternate Option?

Fortunately, there is one alternate option available for the space scientists. SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft can effectively act as an escape pod for the two astronauts in case of true emergency.

This spacecraft has successfully carried four astronauts to the ISS in March and as per features it can easily fit more astronauts in case of emergency. However, this option seems unlikely as SpaceX is the key competitor of Boeing in space exploration.

Credit - @DDNewslive X handle

“We're absolutely confident,” said mission commander Wilmore, with Sunita Williams adding, “I have a real good feeling in my heart that the spacecraft will bring us home, no problem,” Sunita Williams and Butch Willmore said in their message from space couple of weeks ago.

The space enthusiasts along with agencies are hoping and praying for the smooth return of Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore. When will it happen? Still uncertain, the faster, the better!