Stuck in Space | Science Press Agency

These are the two astronauts on Boeing's Starliner capsule: Commander Barry Wilmore and Pilot Sonny Williams. They arrived at the space station on June 6 for a stay that was supposed to last only a week, and they are still there, two months later, due to technical problems that have not yet been resolved. The latest news is that they may have to stay there for another 6 months. These two NASA “veterans” are on their second and third trips there, respectively.

Can we use the word “stuck” or “blocked” (in English, stranded)? As the New York Times science journalist writes,puzzled by NASA's reluctance to use the word: “If you went somewhere on a trip that you expected to be 8 days long and you couldn't leave for 8 months, most people would consider that 'stuck.'”

On the other hand, for the astronauts, there could be worse places to be “stuck.” “Butch and I have been here before, and it’s like coming home,” Sonny Williams said at a press conference last month. “It’s amazing to be here, so I’m not complaining.”

It is Boeing that might have done well without this unprecedented interest. This is the first crewed flight of its Starliner capsule, which competes with SpaceX’s Dragon capsules to carry American astronauts to the International Space Station — replacing the Russian Soyuz capsules that have been the only option since 2011. The flight was to be the final test of the spacecraft before NASA approves future regular use of Boeing capsules.

The technical problems involved took the form of 5 of the 28 engines used for precision maneuvers failing during approach to the station on June 6; and an in-flight helium leak in the thrusters being a problem. who was known before launch and pose no risk to astronauts, Boeing asserts.

In his country Latest communications on this topicOn August 14, NASA said only that its “engineers and technicians are combing through data” from the flight and “considering various options for how to return the astronauts to Earth.” If Williams and Wilmore have to wait for the Dragon capsule, they will have to stay there for another six months. In communications since June, NASA has also been careful to stress that the space station is well-supplied with food, water and oxygen, and that This extended stay And there was no problem in this regard. As for the astronauts, they are They have a lot to keep themselves busy.In this high-tech environment that requires constant maintenance.

A decision may be made regarding their return. By the end of the month.