NASA has once again delayed the return to Earth of astronauts Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams, who have been stranded on the International Space Station since the malfunction of Boeing’s Starliner capsule earlier this year. The crew arrived at the ISS in June with the objective of testing the Starliner’s capabilities, but the mission was cut short when five of the capsule’s thrusters failed to function properly. While Boeing claimed their technology could ensure a safe return, NASA expressed doubts and decided to entrust the task to SpaceX.
In September, Elon Musk’s company launched the Crew-9 mission, which was supposed to bring Williams and Wilmore back to Earth in February. However, NASA has now announced that the return will be postponed until after the arrival of Crew-10, which is scheduled for late March 2025 at the earliest. This delay will allow SpaceX and NASA engineers to finalize the development of a new Dragon spacecraft, which will be shipped to the company’s Florida facility next month.
According to NASA, the adjustment in the return schedule will also allow for a proper handover period between the Crew-9 and Crew-10 crews. This process ensures the smooth operation of onboard experiments and maintenance of the ISS. After evaluating several options, NASA and SpaceX determined that the March launch for Crew-10 was the best option for meeting the agency’s requirements and achieving the space station’s objectives for 2025.
While the ISS received two resupply flights in November to ensure the crew’s basic needs are met, experts have raised concerns about the potential health risks for Wilmore and Williams after spending more than nine months in space. Studies have shown that long-term spaceflight can have detrimental effects on the human body, including loss of bone mass, weakened heart function, visual problems, and the development of kidney stones. A recent study from University College London also suggests that the structure and function of the kidneys can be affected by extended periods in space.
The delay in the astronauts’ return highlights the challenges and risks involved in space exploration, and the importance of thorough testing and preparation before any mission. NASA and SpaceX are working together to ensure the safe return of Wilmore and Williams, and the success of future missions to the ISS.
