Sunita Williams’ return from the ISS was delayed due to Boeing Starliner issues. NASA’s capsule swap for Crew-10 aimed to bring her and Butch Wilmore back.
Sunita Williams, along with Butch Wilmore, experienced an extended stay on the International Space Station (ISS) due to issues with Boeing’s Starliner capsule. The two astronauts had flown to the ISS on the Starliner, but their return was delayed. NASA made a scheduling move to ensure the station’s American contingent remained at normal levels.
Capsule Swap for Crew-10 Mission
NASA decided to use a previously flown SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule for its Crew-10 mission to the ISS. This decision was made because the production of a new SpaceX capsule had been delayed. The launch of Crew-10 was moved up to March 12 from the original target of March 25.
The Crew Dragon capsule selected for the Crew-10 mission is named Endeavor. It has been used on three previous missions. NASA needed to conduct a flight readiness assessment of Endeavor before the launch.
Impact on Starliner Astronauts
The return of Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams depended on the arrival of the Crew-10. This was to maintain the normal staffing levels of the American astronauts on the ISS.
The decision to bring Wilmore and Williams back to Earth was influenced by President Donald Trump’s request to SpaceX CEO Elon Musk. Trump wanted the astronauts returned “as soon as possible.”
NASA affirmed its plan to bring the astronauts home, stating it would do so “as soon as practical.” The agency did not explicitly state that the change in the Crew-10 capsule was to bring the Starliner crew home earlier.
Political Context
President Trump’s request was an unusual intervention into NASA’s scheduling. He also blamed his predecessor, Joe Biden, for the situation. Musk also mentioned Biden, despite SpaceX’s involvement in resolving the issues with Boeing’s Starliner.
Impact on Other Missions
The spacecraft swap affected SpaceX’s planned Fram2 private astronaut mission. This mission was expected to use the Endeavor capsule for a polar-orbiting mission. Chun Wang, the mission’s commander, expressed disappointment about the change.
Axiom’s planned Crew Dragon mission, which will fly government astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary, will also be impacted. Axiom arranges private and government astronaut missions using Crew Dragon.
The situation highlights the challenges and flexibility required in human spaceflight. NASA and SpaceX worked to address the issues and ensure the safety and success of the missions.
Sources: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/sunita-williams-may-be-back-by-mid-march/articleshow/118196732.cms
https://www.business-standard.com/world-news/stranded-in-space-updates-on-sunita-williams-butch-wilmore-s-earth-return-nc-125021300713_1.html
https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/nasa-set-to-return-starliner-astronauts-days-sooner/article69210981.ece