NASA is scheduled to provide an update on the status of two American astronauts stranded on the International Space Station (ISS) following complications with their Boeing Starliner spacecraft.
- NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams have been stranded on the ISS since June due to issues with the Boeing Starliner.
- NASA is evaluating options for their return, with a SpaceX craft potentially bringing them back in February 2025.
- The astronauts were originally planned to stay for only eight days but may now spend eight months in space.
NASA expected to provide updates on astronauts stranded in space
NASA has announced a media teleconference for 13:00 EST (19:00 SAST) on Wednesday, where mission managers will discuss the ongoing situation involving astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams.
The astronauts have been on the ISS since 5 June 2024, after launching on the Boeing Starliner as part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program.
However, problems with the Starliner’s docking capabilities have prevented the spacecraft from being deemed safe enough to bring them home.
NASA is considering several options for the astronauts’ safe return.
The most likely scenario involves using a SpaceX craft scheduled to dock with the ISS in September, which would return to Earth in February 2025.
If this plan proceeds, Wilmore and Williams will remain on the ISS for approximately eight months, far longer than the originally planned eight days.
NASA has stated that the safety of the astronauts is the top priority, and thorough evaluations are being conducted before any decisions are made regarding their return.