Is Starliner Stranded in Space? NASA Answers FAQs About Astronauts' Return Status

This image shows Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, which launched astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams from NASA’s Flight Test Program to the International Space Station, docked to the forward port of the Harmony module. This image was taken from the window of the SpaceX Dragon Endeavour spacecraft docked to the port next to the Starliner. Image credit: NASA

NASA Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams arrived at the orbiting laboratory June 6 aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft after its June 5 launch 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 performing as expected, and several leaks were noted in the spacecraft’s helium system. Since then, NASA and Boeing engineering teams have conducted numerous engine tests and in-depth data reviews to better understand the spacecraft. While engineers work to resolve technical issues before Starliner returns to Earth, the astronaut duo has been working with the Expedition 71 crew, conducting 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.

About the task and delay

What is NASA’s Boeing Crew Flight Test?

NASA’s Boeing Crew test flight launched on June 5, the first flight of the Starliner spacecraft into space. International Space Station With astronauts. The flight test aims to prove the system’s readiness for orbital missions to the space station. NASA wants two American spacecraft, in addition to Roscosmos A Soyuz spacecraft, capable of carrying astronauts to help ensure a permanent crew on board the orbital 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.

Boeing Starliner spacecraft docks with International Space Station — This image shows the Starliner spacecraft on a test flight for NASA’s Boeing crew docked to the forward port of the Harmony module as the International Space Station orbits 262 miles above Egypt’s Mediterranean coast. Credit: NASA

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 redesign the agency’s program. SpaceX Crew-9 mission launches with just two crew members instead of four in late September. Butch and Sonny then return to Earth after Crew-9’s regularly scheduled 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.

Astronauts help astronauts inside the airlock at the Quest station. — NASA astronauts with Boeing’s Flight Test Program, Sonny Williams and Butch Wilmore (center), with Expedition 71 flight engineers (far left) Mike Barratt and Tracy C. Dyson (far right), both NASA astronauts, in their spacesuits aboard the International Space Station’s airlock. Image credit: NASA

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 been on the space station for longer duration tasksPrevious missions have provided NASA with large amounts of data about long-duration spaceflight and its effects on the human body, which the agency applies to any crewed mission.

NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams test flight on Boeing — NASA Boeing Crew Test Flight astronauts (top) Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams pose for a photo inside the vestibule between the forward port of the International Space Station’s Harmony module and Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. Credit: NASA

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, a Northrop Grumman Cygnus spacecraft launched carrying 8,200 pounds of food, fuel, supplies and science. Progress Space Supply Vehicle A spacecraft carrying three tons of cargo has 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 also takes advantage of Butch and Sonny’s extra time aboard the orbiting laboratory, where they complete various science experiments, maintenance tasks, and help with spacewalk preparations. Some of the science they’ve recently completed includes new ways to Fiber optic cable production and Plant cultivation On board the orbital 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.

Spain and Morocco are separated from the International Space Station by the Strait of Gibraltar. — While the International Space Station was orbiting 263 miles above Earth, NASA astronaut Butch Wilmore captured this image of Spain and Morocco. The Strait of Gibraltar separates the two countries and connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea. Image credit: NASA

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 has adjusted the launch of SpaceX Crew-9 and the return of SpaceX Crew-8, allowing more time to complete Starliner return plans. NASA is also reviewing crew assignments to ensure Butch and Suni can return with Crew-9, if necessary.