Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams has been at the International Space Station (ISS) for two months on a mission initially planned for a week. The mission's extension is due to technical issues with the Boeing Starliner capsule, not problems with the ISS itself, according to ISRO Chairman S. Somanath.
Somanath addressed concerns about the mission's extension in an exclusive interview, emphasizing that there is no cause for alarm. He clarified that Williams, along with eight other astronauts currently at the ISS, is in the safest possible environment.
The mission's extension is a result of glitches in the Boeing Starliner capsule, which was supposed to return Williams and fellow astronaut Barry "Butch" Wilmore to Earth.
The ISS remains a secure environment for the astronauts, and there are alternative plans for their return if necessary. While the Starliner has experienced propulsion issues due to helium leaks, both NASA and Boeing are actively working on resolving these technical problems. Somanath reassured that the return of Williams and Wilmore will be managed either with the Starliner or another available capsule.
Somanath noted that switching astronauts from one spacecraft to another poses significant technical challenges, as it has never been attempted before. However, he remains optimistic that Williams and Wilmore will eventually return aboard the Starliner once the issues are resolved.
Looking ahead, Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is scheduled to join the Indo-US Axiom-4 mission to the ISS in early 2025. This mission will involve scientific research and technology demonstrations aboard the ISS, led by Dr. Peggy Annette Whitson, America's most experienced astronaut.
The current situation with Williams and Wilmore highlights the complexities of space travel and the technical hurdles that can arise. However, the ISS continues to serve as a reliable base for international astronauts, ensuring their safety while solutions to technical problems are pursued.
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