SwedenLivingWorld world_2_fill WorldBusiness BusinessSports sports-soccer SportsEntertainmentEntertain

Eight days in space can become eight months

They would be in space for eight days – but may stay until spring 2025. Boeing, which manufactured the accident-prone spacecraft, risks a severe loss of prestige, while the astronauts seem to be sitting calmly in the boat. Most of them want to stay longer, says astronaut Christer Fuglesang.

» Updated: 17 September 2024, 20:47

» Published: 11 August 2024

Eight days in space can become eight months
Photo: Nasa via AP/TT

Boeing's first manned spacecraft Starliner was supposed to return eight days after leaving Earth on June 5. But it is still docked at the International Space Station ISS and NASA's astronauts Barry "Butch" Wilmore and Suni Williams are still on board.

Swedish astronaut Christer Fuglesang made his first flight with Williams. According to him, the astronauts were aware that the space journey could be extended.

Most people want to stay longer, he tells TT.

If you plan to be up for half a year and after four months find out it will be another half year, it's not certain that everyone will appreciate it. But I don't think these two are particularly worried.

Accident-prone test flight

The test flight of Starliner to ISS was made after years of delays. But during the journey, the spacecraft suffered a helium leak and several steering rockets stopped functioning.

The return journey has since been postponed several times.

The problems have led competitor Space X to postpone a space journey that would take four astronauts to ISS to at least September 24. The company is investigating whether to send up only two astronauts to be able to take Williams and Wilmore with them. The return journey is estimated to take place in February 2025 at the earliest.

For the astronauts' part, there is "ample margin" on ISS when it comes to food and the like, according to Fuglesang. The extended stay will be an opportunity to continue working.

It was not unthinkable that it would be like this. So in the backup plan, they have things for them to do if they were to stay longer.

Tough setback

NASA's stance has been that the return journey should take place with Starliner, but new information is expected in August. One scenario is that Starliner returns empty before Space X arrives. This would be the biggest setback so far for Boeing's space program.

In 2014, Boeing and Space X received billion-dollar contracts to deliver spacecraft to ISS. Since Space X succeeded with its first trip in 2020, the company has transported dozens of people.

Boeing's investment, on the other hand, has been marked by delays and setbacks.

Intensive discussions are underway in NASA's leadership about how to bring the astronauts home. A concern is that the cause of the problems with the steering rockets has not been found, which makes a return journey with Starliner risky, according to a source to CNBC.

Tags
TTT
By TTThis article has been altered and translated by Sweden Herald

More news

Norway: Suspected spy worked at the US Embassy
1 MIN READ

Norway: Suspected spy worked at the US Embassy

Pistorius does not want to take over power from Scholz
1 MIN READ

Pistorius does not want to take over power from Scholz

40 People Killed in Attack in Pakistan
1 MIN READ

40 People Killed in Attack in Pakistan

Police Investigation: Prosecute Bolsonaro for Coup Attempt
1 MIN READ

Police Investigation: Prosecute Bolsonaro for Coup Attempt

Reports: North Korean General Injured in Ukraine
1 MIN READ

Reports: North Korean General Injured in Ukraine

Gaetz drops out after suspicions of buying sex
2 MIN READ

Gaetz drops out after suspicions of buying sex

USA imposes new sanctions on Russia
1 MIN READ

USA imposes new sanctions on Russia

Russia significantly increases defense budget
1 MIN READ

Russia significantly increases defense budget

Foreign Minister: Sweden Supports the ICC's Work
2 MIN READ

Foreign Minister: Sweden Supports the ICC's Work

Expert: ICC decision puts Germany in a difficult situation
2 MIN READ

Expert: ICC decision puts Germany in a difficult situation

ICC: Netanyahu and Gallant guilty of war crimes
3 MIN READ

ICC: Netanyahu and Gallant guilty of war crimes

Trump's choice of minister investigated for assault
2 MIN READ

Trump's choice of minister investigated for assault

Kristersson on the attack: Trying to intimidate the West
2 MIN READ

Kristersson on the attack: Trying to intimidate the West

Mette-Marit's Son Will Not Appeal Detention Order
1 MIN READ

Mette-Marit's Son Will Not Appeal Detention Order

Expert: We are not closer to a nuclear war
2 MIN READ

Expert: We are not closer to a nuclear war

Half a Billion to Ukraine's Defense Industry
1 MIN READ

Half a Billion to Ukraine's Defense Industry

Putin: Tested new medium-range missile
3 MIN READ

Putin: Tested new medium-range missile

Death toll soars after bombing of Palmyra
1 MIN READ

Death toll soars after bombing of Palmyra

Three arrested – would have murdered Israeli minister
2 MIN READ

Three arrested – would have murdered Israeli minister

Five arrested for terrorist offenses in Finland
1 MIN READ

Five arrested for terrorist offenses in Finland