Starliner Crew Astronauts Stuck In Space For 51 Days: When Will It End?

Starliner from Boeing, still stuck on the ISS (photo: x @nasa)

JAKARTA Two NASA astronauts, Sunita Williams and Barry 'Butch' Wilmore, are currently stuck on the International Space Station (ISS) after their mission using the Boeing Starliner capsule experienced serious problems. Originally planned to stay for 8 days, their stay has now been indefinitely extended due to system failures in the capsule.

The Starliner capsule launched on June 5 from Florida on an Atlas V rocket experienced a helium leak and failure on several thrusters during the flight. NASA and Boeing have not been able to determine when the capsule will be able to transport Williams and Wilmore back to Earth, although they claim the capsule is safe enough to return if needed.

The failure of this system forced Williams and Wilmore to stay on the ISS longer than planned, with further issues regarding leaks and malfunctions that had to be fixed remotely without technicians being sent into space.

"If the Starliner capsule experiences additional failures on its way home, the impact could be very serious for its passengers," NASA officials said. While they insist that Starliner may be safe enough to go home, the final decision will be made after an in-depth review.

Meanwhile, Williams and Wilmore, despite being trapped, continue to carry out scientific experiments and maintenance tasks on the ISS, including cleaning toilets and carrying out food inventory. They are also involved in research into the impact of space on the human body.

NASA's Head of Commercial Crew Program, Steve Stich, revealed that a backup option is being considered, including SpaceX's Dragon capsule. Starliner faced a number of issues even before launch, with leaky valves and other technical issues that had led to delays and additional costs for Boeing.

Despite the difficult situation, Williams and Wilmore tried to stay positive and considered this experience part of their mission. Williams said, "We feel like home here, working with the ISS team. It feels good to float in space."

The crisis adds to Boeing's row of problems that have previously experienced multiple scandals and accidents in its aviation sector, including problems with the 737 MAX aircraft that led to the deaths of more than 300 people in recent years.