In a significant update, NASA has announced that astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore will extend their stay on the International Space Station (ISS) from the initially planned eight days to over nine months. This decision was made after the Boeing Starliner capsule they arrived on was deemed unfit for their return to Earth.
The duo originally traveled to the ISS in June for a test mission, but their return has now been delayed until at least late March. This extension allows for a seamless transition as NASA prepares for the Crew-10 mission, which is expected to launch in late March.
Alongside Williams and Wilmore, NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov are also set to return to Earth after the Crew-10 mission reaches the space station. Hague and Gorbunov had boarded the ISS in September, joining Williams and Wilmore to form a four-member Crew-9 mission.
NASA emphasized that this extended stay, referred to as a "handover period," is crucial for sharing lessons learned between Crew-9 and the newly arrived Crew-10. This collaboration ensures better support for ongoing scientific research and maintenance activities aboard the ISS.
The Crew-10 mission was initially scheduled to launch in February. However, NASA decided to postpone the launch to allow additional time for processing a new Dragon spacecraft, ensuring the safety and efficiency of the mission.
This extension highlights NASA's commitment to ensuring the safety of its astronauts and the success of its missions aboard the ISS. As the space agency continues to push the boundaries of human space exploration, such strategic decisions play a vital role in advancing scientific discoveries and international collaboration in space.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
