NASA’s latest space mission, which was intended to be a routine undertaking, has turned into a crisis. Astronauts Sunita Williams and Wilmore, who arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) on June 5, 2024, were scheduled to return to Earth on June 13. However, 77 days later, the astronauts remain stranded, far exceeding the planned duration of the mission.
Boeing’s Starliner capsule, used for their transport, has become a focus of concern. Despite NASA’s assurances about the crew’s safety, there has been no clarity about the timetable for their return. This uncertainty has led to growing frustration and concern, particularly after Sunita Williams reported vision problems attributed to prolonged exposure to space.
Former US military space systems commander Rudy Rodolff has raised alarming questions about the safety of the mission. Rodolff highlights two critical risks:
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Capsule angle: The capsule must maintain a precise angle to avoid drifting further into space. An incorrect angle could result in the astronauts becoming stranded again.
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Thermal Protector Failure – A misaligned capsule can cause thermal protector failure, which could lead to severe overheating and catastrophic consequences.
In today’s episode of DNA, Zee News looks at the plight of astronauts stranded in space.
Watch the full episode here:
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NASA’s communication has been consistent in reassuring the public with statements such as “All is well,” but the lack of a specific return date has heightened concerns. Currently, two main solutions are being considered:
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SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule: NASA could use SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule, scheduled for launch in September 2024, to bring astronauts back. This option would extend the astronauts’ stay until February 2025.
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Russian Soyuz spacecraft: Another possibility is to ask Russia for help, which could send a Soyuz spacecraft to rescue the astronauts. However, this option is considered less likely due to geopolitical and logistical challenges.
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