Editor’s Note: This article was updated on August 20, 2024 to reflect the latest information from NASA’s Office of Communications.
NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams arrived at the orbiting laboratory on June 6 aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft after launching June 5 from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Station in Florida.
During Starliner’s flight to the space station, engineers noticed that some of the spacecraft’s thrusters were not working as expected, and several leaks were noted in Starliner’s helium system. Since then, NASA and Boeing engineering teams have conducted tests on the spacecraft. Several tests for payment and In-depth data review To better understand the spacecraft. While engineers work to solve technical problems before Starliner returns to Earth, the astronaut duo Working with Mission 71 crewcarrying out scientific research and maintenance activities.
NASA now plans to conduct two reviews — a program control board review and a flight readiness review — before deciding how to safely return Wilmore and Williams from the station. NASA expects to decide on the future course of action by the end of August.
Below are some frequently asked questions about their mission.
What is NASA’s Boeing Crew Flight Test?
NASA’s Boeing Crew test flight launched June 5, marking the first flight of the Starliner spacecraft to the International Space Station with astronauts on board. The flight test is intended to prove the system is ready for orbital missions to the space station. NASA wants two American spacecraft, in addition to Roscosmos’ Soyuz, capable of carrying astronauts to help ensure a permanent crew on the orbiting complex.
What are the objectives of the crew flight test?
This test flight is intended to demonstrate Starliner’s ability to perform a six-month rotational mission to the space station. The test flight objectives were developed to support NASA’s certification process and gather performance data needed to assess readiness prior to long-duration missions.
Why will the crewed test flight stay longer than planned on the space station?
During Starliner’s journey to the space station, some of the spacecraft’s thrusters did not perform as expected, and several leaks were observed in the spacecraft’s helium system. While the initial mission duration is planned for about a week, there is no rush to get the crew home, so NASA and Boeing are taking extra time to familiarize themselves with the spacecraft. This is a lesson learned from the Space Shuttle Columbia accident. Our NASA and Boeing teams are studying data from additional testing and analysis in space and on the ground, providing mission managers with the data to make the best and safest decisions about how and when to get the crew home.
If there is an emergency on the space station, how will Butch and Sonny get home?
The Starliner remains Butch and Sonny’s primary option in the event of an emergency and they need to leave the station quickly. There is no urgent need to get them home, and NASA is using the extra time to understand the spacecraft’s technical issues before deciding on a return plan.
How long can Butch and Sonny stay on the space station if they don’t return home on the Starliner?
If NASA decides to return Starliner without a crew, Butch and Sonny will remain on the station until late February 2025. NASA will re-plan the SpaceX Crew-9 mission to launch with just two crew members instead of four in late September. Butch and Sonny will then return to Earth after the regularly scheduled Crew-9 augmentation early next year.
Will Butch and Sonny still be in space until 2025?
No decisions have been made yet. NASA continues to evaluate all options as it learns more about the Starliner’s propulsion system. Butch and Sonny could return home on the Starliner, or they could return as part of the agency’s SpaceX Crew-9 mission early next year.
Can Starliner fly without astronauts?
Yes, the Starliner could detach and deorbit autonomously, if NASA decides to return the uncrewed spacecraft.
Could NASA send a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft to bring Butch and Sonny back?
If NASA decides to return astronauts on SpaceX Dragon, NASA will re-plan the SpaceX Crew-9 mission to launch just two crew members in late September instead of four. Butch and Sonny will then return to Earth after the regularly scheduled astronaut surge early next year.
Why does NASA need two crew transportation systems?
The primary goal of the agency’s Commercial Crew Program is to create two unique human spaceflight systems. Should either system fail, NASA is still able to launch and return crew to ensure the safety and continued human presence aboard the International Space Station.
Are Butch and Sonny stuck on the space station?
No, Butch and Sonny are safe aboard the space station working alongside the Expedition 71 crew. They have also been actively involved in Starliner testing and technical meetings. Butch and Sonny could return home on Starliner in the event of an emergency. The agency also has other return options available, if needed, for both contingency planning and regular return.
Are Sonny and Butch ready to stay longer at the station?
Both Butch and Sonny have previously completed long stays aboard the station. NASA astronauts embark on missions with full knowledge of the different scenarios that could play out. This mission was no different. They understood the possibilities and unknowns of this test flight, including staying aboard the station longer than planned.
How long is Butch and Sonny’s stay compared to other space station missions?
The typical stay on the International Space Station is about six months, and NASA astronauts have stayed on the space station on longer missions. Previous missions have provided NASA with massive amounts of data about long-duration spaceflight and its effects on the human body, which the agency applies to any crewed mission.
Do astronauts have what they need (e.g., food, clothing, oxygen, personal items, etc.)?
Yes, the International Space Station is equipped with everything the crew needs, including food, water, clothing and oxygen. In addition, NASA and its space station partners launch resupply missions to the orbiting complex carrying additional supplies and cargo.
Recently, the Northrop Grumman Cygnus spacecraft carrying 8,200 pounds of food, fuel, supplies and science and the Progress resupply vehicle carrying three tons of cargo arrived at the station. NASA is planning additional SpaceX resupply missions through the end of 2024.
What do they do on the space station?
The crew continues to monitor Starliner’s flight systems and collect performance data for system certification. NASA is also taking advantage of Butch and Sonny’s extra time aboard the orbiting laboratory, where they have completed various science experiments, maintenance tasks, and helped prepare for a spacewalk. Some of the science they’ve recently completed includes new methods for producing fiber optic cables and growing plants on the orbiting complex.
Can they talk to their family and friends?
Butch and Sonny enjoy many of the same amenities we have here on Earth. They can email, call, and video conference with their family and friends when they have “free time” aboard the International Space Station.
What are other options to get Butch and Sonny back?
NASA has two unique space transportation systems in the United States capable of ferrying crew to and from the station. While no decisions have been made yet, NASA is considering several options for returning Butch and Sonny from the space station, including a return aboard Starliner, if approved, or as part of the agency’s SpaceX Crew 9 mission in February 2025.
Is it safer to take them home on a SpaceX Dragon?
Crewed test flights are inherently risky, and while rotations may seem routine, they are not without risk. NASA has a duty to evaluate these risks and determine whether they are acceptable to the crew before each flight.
What other steps is NASA taking to bring them home?
NASA SpaceX Crew-9 Modified Launch Vehicle NASA is also planning for the return of SpaceX Crew-8, allowing more time to complete Starliner return plans. NASA is also looking at crew assignments to ensure Butch and Suni can return with Crew-9, if necessary.
For NASA’s blog and more information about the mission, visit: https://www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew
