Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams is stuck in space. Sunita Williams left for space mission on June 5 by ‘Starliner’ spacecraft. He was accompanied by another astronaut, Bush Wilmore, who is the mission commander. Both had to return after spending about 8 days on the International Space Station (ISS). But till today both have not returned.
Finally, why is Sunita Williams stuck in space for the past 25 days? Why is its return often deferred? What are the risks of withdrawal? Find out in this explainer…
What is the ‘Starliner’ spacecraft? (What is Starliner Spacecraft)
The spacecraft that reached the International Space Station (ISS) by Sunita Williams has been developed by the American aircraft company Boeing. This spacecraft has been named ‘Starliner’. The company also calls it ‘Space Capsule’. Boeing has developed this spacecraft for the American space agency NASA’s commercial space program. In a way, ‘Starliner’ was jointly developed by NASA and Boeing.
After all, what went wrong with the spacecraft?
On June 5, the first manned test of the Starliner was conducted. Sunita Williams and Bush Wilmore left for the ISS in this spacecraft. However, when the Starliner was being launched, it was leaking helium gas. According to a BBC report, Boeing engineers were aware of a gas leak during launch, but did not think it was a major problem at the time. But during the journey the spacecraft started leaking helium gas from 4 more places.
While docking at the International Space Station, its thrusters also failed. However, now NASA and Boeing say that four of the five thrusters have been repaired.
Why was Suneet Williams’ return postponed?
According to NASA, it is not at all that ‘Starliner’ cannot be used. In the event of an emergency, Williams and his fellow astronauts could return to Earth from this spacecraft. But for now, the agency wants to get to the bottom of the entire problem. It is investigating why and how the gas leaked and why the thrusters failed on these flights. For this reason, the return of the astronauts has been postponed.
Why NASA is under question
However, experts’ opinion is completely opposite to NASA’s statement. According to him, the leakage of helium gas in the Starliner indicates a serious problem. If a gas leak is not detected and repaired, there is a possibility of a fire on the return flight. The lives of Sunita Williams and Wilmore can also be lost in this case. Experts are also raising questions about NASA. The question is, when the agency reported the helium gas leak at the time of launch, why take such a big risk? Why was this fact hidden?
When can Williams return?
NASA says that the return of the spacecraft does not appear to be possible at this time. Let us tell you that Starliner can stay in space for 45 days. It’s been 25 days. In such a situation, Sunita Williams and Wilmore find it difficult to return to Earth by Starliner. NASA has changed Sunita Williams’ return date four times so far. First the date was fixed on 18th June, then it was extended to 22nd June. After which the return date was changed to 26 June. Now it says that returns can take up to 90 days.
What are the options if Starliner fails?
Even if Boeing’s Starliner fails, Sunita Williams may return to Earth. In such a situation, the spacecraft ‘Dragon’ of Elon Musk’s company SpaceX or the Russian spacecraft ‘Soyuz’ can become a support. NASA could plan to bring Sunita Williams to Earth through this.
Is Williams alone in the ISS?
Sunita Williams and Wilmore are not alone in the International Space Station. There are already 5 astronauts from different countries present. According to NASA, there is currently no threat to them. Food is available in sufficient quantity. But when, how and in how many days the return will happen has become the biggest concern.
What did the ISRO chief say?
ISRO chief S. Somnath has also said in an interview to NDTV that Sunita Williams is not in any danger. Somnath said that Williams is not alone in the International Space Station. There are already many astronauts. They too have to return to earth one day or the other. There is no question that Williams is trapped in such a situation. The question is getting back safely from the Starliner.
Tags: Elon Musk, International Space Station, A NASA study
First published: June 30, 2024, 15:03 IST