Contact Members/Sign Up Reg Form

Starliner's Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore absent from SpaceX capsule return

Photo : AFP

On October 25, a SpaceX Dragon capsule, part of the Crew-8 mission, successfully returned to Earth after spending 235 days at the International Space Station (ISS). The capsule splashed down in the waters near Pensacola, Florida, marking a significant milestone as the longest human mission for the Elon Musk-led company. However, the spacecraft did not carry two NASA astronauts, Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who remained stranded aboard the ISS since their launch aboard Boeing's Starliner in June.

Williams and Wilmore initially launched on June 4, believing they would return to Earth about a week later. However, a series of setbacks plagued their mission, including helium leaks and thruster malfunctions in the Starliner spacecraft. As time went on, it became clear that they would not be returning aboard the Starliner, which was ultimately sent back to Earth unmanned on September 6. NASA emphasized the safety and well-being of its astronauts throughout these challenges, ensuring that Williams and Wilmore would not be put at risk.

Stay informed with the latest news. Follow DXB News Network on WhatsApp Channel 

In response to their predicament, NASA arranged a rescue mission utilizing SpaceX’s Crew-9 mission. Scheduled to launch on September 28, the Crew-9 mission had initially planned to take four astronauts to the ISS: NASA’s Nick Hague, Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, and two others, Zena Cardman and Stephanie Wilson. However, to accommodate the stranded astronauts, the number of crew members was reduced, with the Crew-9 capsule now set to bring Williams and Wilmore back to Earth no earlier than February 2025.

The reason Williams and Wilmore could not board the returning Crew-8 mission was straightforward: they were not assigned to it. The Crew-8 capsule had already filled its roster with NASA astronauts Matthew Dominick, Michael Barratt, Jeanette Epps, and Roscosmos’ Alexander Grebenkin. The Crew-8 mission launched atop a Falcon 9 rocket on March 4, well before the Starliner’s first crewed flight.

As of now, Williams and Wilmore have spent over 18 weeks on the ISS, integrating into the Expedition 72 crew, which comprises the station's operational staff. During this extended stay, Williams has become the commander of the space station for a second time, and both astronauts are engaged in their respective duties, including spacewalks and scientific experiments.

Dana Weigel, NASA’s ISS Program manager, confirmed that Williams and Wilmore are well-equipped and trained to manage their responsibilities during their extended stay. She noted that they have access to the right resources and training, ensuring they can perform essential tasks while waiting for their return to Earth.

Recent updates reveal that both astronauts have been proactive in their roles. On October 18, Williams was seen cleaning cooling loops on a spacesuit, while Wilmore tested a new camera system in the Destiny laboratory module, aimed at enhancing mission documentation in the future.

With the successful return of the Crew-8 capsule, attention now shifts to the upcoming Crew-9 mission. Williams and Wilmore will assist in transferring their spacecraft to the docking port vacated by Crew-8, marking a new chapter in their ongoing mission in space. NASA continues to monitor the situation closely, ensuring the astronauts remain safe and well-supported during this unprecedented wait.

Oct. 25, 2024 2:54 p.m. 419

#trending #latest #SpaceX #Crew8 #NASA #SunitaWilliams #ButchWilmore #ISS #BoeingStarliner #Crew9 #SpaceExploration #Astronauts #SpaceMission #ReturnToEarth #SpaceNews #HumanSpaceflight #InternationalSpaceStation #STEM #Aerospace #SpaceTravel #NASAUpdates #SpaceCommunity #headlines #topstories #globalUpdate #dxbnewsnetwork #dxbnews #dxbdnn #dxbnewsnetworkdnn #bestnewschanneldubai #bestnewschannelUAE #bestnewschannelabudhabi #bestnewschannelajman #bestnewschannelofdubai #popularnewschanneldubai

Dubai South and Indu Kishore Logistics Launch New Logistics Facility

uae news / uae-national
Nov. 2, 2024 5:33 p.m. 354

Dubai South, a premier urban master development for aviation, logistics, and real estate, has officially commenced construction on a new facility in its Logisti...Read More.

Egypt and Spain Explore Opportunities to Enhance Industrial Cooperation

global news / world news
Nov. 2, 2024 5:27 p.m. 355

Deputy Premier for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport Kamel El-Wazir met with Spanish Ambassador Alvaro Iranzo to discuss enhancing i...Read More.

Dubai South and Indu Kishore Logistics Launch New Logistics Facility

Dubai South, a premier urban master development for aviation, logistics, and real estate, has officially commenced construction on a new facility in its Logisti

Egypt and Spain Explore Opportunities to Enhance Industrial Cooperation

Deputy Premier for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport Kamel El-Wazir met with Spanish Ambassador Alvaro Iranzo to discuss enhancing i

Iran's Supreme Leader Vows 'Crushing Response' to Israel and U.S. Threats

The Supreme Leader of Iran did not provide specific details regarding the timing or extent of the anticipated attack, leaving the nature of the response open to

Resorts World Cruises Kicks Off First Voyage from Dubai with Celebration

Resorts World Cruises, renowned for its expertise in Gulf travel, has officially launched its inaugural sailing from Dubai on November 1, 2024, aboard the Resor

Mashat Engages with AIIB for Infrastructure Investment Opportunities

Planning Minister Rania El-Mashat met with an Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank delegation to enhance bilateral cooperation, focusing on economic development

Israel's Destructive Actions in Lebanon Heighten Concerns Over Buffer Zone

Israeli warplanes and ground troops have left a significant path of destruction across southern Lebanon over the past month, raising concerns about the potentia

Hamdan bin Mohammed Meets Google CEO to Discuss Investment Opportunities

By establishing strategic partnerships with industry leaders such as Google, Dubai and the UAE seek to drive the creation of innovative solutions that will set

Polio Vaccination Campaign to Resume in Northern Gaza, Says WHO-UNICEF

Approximately 15,000 children under ten in North Gaza areas like Jabalia, Beit Lahiya, and Beit Hanoun remain inaccessible, missing the upcoming polio campaign

Egypt to See Rains and Thundershowers Across Several Regions Through Tuesday

Egypt braces for rains, thundershowers, and unstable weather through Tuesday as the first autumn air depression of the year approaches

Dubai Police Commemorates UAE Flag Day with Pride and Unity

Dubai Police proudly joined the UAE leadership, citizens, and residents in celebrating Flag Day, raising the national flag high at their headquarters in a displ

LATEST INSTAGRAM POST
Follow Us

© DNN. All Rights Reserved.