Relevance: Preliminary examination, GS-2 Sec3-Science & Technology
Introduction
- American astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are set to return to Earth after a record-long unscheduled stay in space.
- They traveled to the International Space Station (ISS) in June 2024 aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, which later developed issues, delaying their return.
Reasons for Delay
- Starliner spacecraft malfunctioned, making it unsafe for their return.
- A SpaceX Dragon spacecraft was arranged as an alternative travel option.
Nine Months in Space
- The astronauts spent 286 days in space, though longer stays have been recorded.
- The longest continuous stay is 438 days by Russian cosmonaut Valeri Polyakov.
Boeing’s Test Mission
- Their mission aimed to validate Boeing Starliner’s ability for crewed ISS missions.
- The Starliner CST-100 was developed under NASA’s Commercial Crew Program.
- However, technical issues led to delays and challenges.
Lessons and Future Implications
- Testing of long-duration space missions and their impact on astronauts.
- Preparation for extended space travel, including future Moon and Mars missions.
- Understanding human physiological and psychological responses in prolonged space conditions.
Conclusion
- The mission underscores the importance of alternate spacecraft options.
- It highlights challenges in human spaceflight and the need for robust safety mechanisms in future missions.