Indian-Origin Astronaut Sunita Williams TRAPPED in Space! | Boeing Starliner Disaster | Dhruv Rathee

Summary

In June 2024, Boeing's Starliner spacecraft, carrying NASA astronauts Barry E. Wilmore and Sunita Williams, successfully docked at the International Space Station. Despite initial success, multiple issues, including thruster malfunctions and helium leaks, led to the spacecraft being unusable for return. The astronauts, now part of Expeditions 71 and 72, continue research on the ISS. NASA plans to use SpaceX's Crew Dragon to bring them back to Earth in February 2025, extending their mission to nearly 9 months.

Takeaways

• 🚀 On 5th June, 2024, a Boeing Starliner spacecraft was launched from America, carrying NASA astronauts Commander Barry E. Wilmore and Pilot Sunita Williams to the International Space Station (ISS).
• ✈️ The Starliner, developed by Boeing, is a human orbital spacecraft, making Boeing the second private company after SpaceX to achieve this feat.
• 🔧 The mission, named Boeing Crew Flight Test, encountered multiple issues including thruster malfunctions and helium leaks, which led to the spacecraft being unusable for the return trip.
• 🛰️ Despite the spacecraft's issues, the astronauts were not in danger as the ISS is well-equipped to support them with food, water, oxygen, and living space for an extended stay.
• 🌟 The ISS has a robust life support system that recycles oxygen and water, including converting urine back into drinking water.
• 👩‍🚀 Astronauts Wilmore and Williams are highly experienced, with Wilmore having spent 178 days in space prior to this mission and Williams, of Indian origin, having spent 322 days in space.
• 📅 Originally planned for an 8-day mission, the astronauts are now expected to remain on the ISS for 8 months due to the Starliner's issues.
• 🚼 NASA arranged for personal belongings, including clothes, to be sent to the astronauts on 6th August to address the shortage caused by their extended stay.
• 🔄 The Starliner's thruster issues were traced to both software problems and hardware issues, including overheating due to direct sunlight exposure.
• ⏱️ The astronauts are now scheduled to return to Earth in February 2025 on a SpaceX Crew Dragon as part of the Crew-9 mission, which will have two empty seats for their return.

Q & A

When was the Starliner spacecraft launched in the script?

The Starliner spacecraft was launched on 5th June, 2024.

Who were the two astronauts from NASA aboard the Starliner spacecraft?

Commander Barry E. Wilmore and Pilot Sunita Williams were the two astronauts from NASA aboard the Starliner spacecraft.

What was the purpose of the Starliner mission mentioned in the script?

The purpose of the Starliner mission was to test the capabilities of Boeing's Starliner spacecraft and to dock at the International Space Station.

How long was the Starliner mission supposed to last according to the script?

The Starliner mission was supposed to last only 8 days.

Why are the astronauts still in space after 3 months according to the script?

The astronauts are still in space after 3 months due to problems with the Starliner spacecraft that prevent it from being used again.

How long will the astronauts remain in space according to NASA's current plan mentioned in the script?

According to NASA's current plan, the astronauts will remain in space for 8 months.

What is the significance of the successful docking of the Starliner at the International Space Station as mentioned in the script?

The successful docking made Boeing the world's second private company to make and fly a human orbital spacecraft.

What are the facilities available on the International Space Station for the astronauts as described in the script?

The International Space Station has a large living and working space, enough food, water, clothes, and an oxygen supply system, two bathrooms, a gym, and a 360° view bay window.

What is the role of Expedition 71 in relation to the astronauts stuck in space as per the script?

Expedition 71 is the current team of astronauts on the ISS, and they will be returning to Earth on 24th September 2024, potentially bringing more food for the two astronauts stuck in space.

What were the issues faced with the Starliner spacecraft during its mission as described in the script?

The Starliner spacecraft faced issues such as multiple helium leaks, thrusters not working properly, and overheating problems due to direct sunlight exposure.

How does the script describe the history and current status of Boeing's Starliner program?

The script describes the Starliner program as having faced significant challenges, including failed tests and systematic problems, and compares it to SpaceX's more successful Crew Dragon program.