EXTENDED MISSION: ASTRONAUTS FACE UNEXPECTED EIGHT-MONTH STAY ON ISS DUE TO STARLINER DELAYS

Why in the news?

Sunita Williams and Barry “Butch” Wilmore, part of the current crew aboard the International Space Station (ISS), will have to stay longer in space than initially planned.

Source: BBC

Key Points:

  • This extended stay isn’t unprecedented; in past instances, such as in 1991 when cosmonauts were stranded on the Mir space station due to political turmoil on Earth. The extension is primarily due to technical issues with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft, which has delayed its return to Earth. As a result, the mission, initially planned as an eight-day trip, has turned into an eight-month operation.
  • The article covers various logistical challenges, including managing supplies like food, oxygen, and clothing. The crew’s new schedule anticipates their return only in 2025, far beyond the original timeline. There are also discussions on how this affects living conditions on the ISS, including space constraints, clothing, and laundry management. Lastly, the backup plan involving other spacecraft to ensure the astronauts’ safe return if the Starliner continues to face issues.