In June of this year, astronaut Sunita Williams embarked on a space journey, initially scheduled for a week. However, due to complications with the Starliner spacecraft, her stay in space extended beyond the planned duration, now exceeding two months. NASA is actively seeking solutions to ensure her safe return to Earth. The question of whether India, through its space agency ISRO, could assist in this mission was posed to ISRO’s Chief, S. Somanath. He clarified that the capabilities for such a mission rest solely with the US and Russia at the moment, citing the lack of an Indian spacecraft equipped for this task. He mentioned that the US’s Crew Dragon vehicle or Russia’s Soyuz spacecraft are viable options for a rescue mission.
This situation has sparked discussions and concerns, escalating rumours about the safety and return of not only Sunita Williams but also another astronaut, Butch Wilmore. Addressing these concerns, Somanath indicated that the situation, while being monitored closely, is not deemed critically urgent at this point. The complications with Boeing’s Starliner, particularly its faulty propulsion system, have necessitated a cautious approach to planning their return. Despite previous delays and issues with the Starliner, NASA and Boeing continue to assess the spacecraft’s safety for the crew’s eventual return journey.
Officials from NASA have hinted at an impending decision on this matter, emphasizing the importance of a resolution by the end of August. There’s potential consideration for utilizing Elon Musk’s SpaceX Crew-9 mission for their return, though this would mean a delay until early next year.
During a forthcoming meeting with NASA Administrator Bill Nelson and senior officials, a more definitive timeline or decision regarding the astronauts’ return is anticipated.