Boeing capsule leaves astronauts “lost in space”

North American astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS), face uncertainty regarding their return to Earth due to problems with the propellers of Boeing’s Starliner capsule. This setback, which puts the safety of the crew at risk during the return, prevents the return flight.

The mission is the first manned flight by Boeing, a company that seeks to be an alternative to SpaceX in transporting NASA teams. Although three landing dates have already been cancelled, Boeing maintains that Starliner’s problems do not represent a critical risk and that the astronauts are not abandoned.

Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams have extensive experience in space missions. Together, they accumulate 500 days in space – 178 days for Wilmore and 322 days for Suni, according to NASA data. Wilmore, who carried out expeditions in 2009 and 2014, commanded the EEI on its second mission. Suni Williams, 59, participated in missions in 2006 and 2012, during which she performed seven spacewalks, totaling 50 hours and 40 minutes, which places her as the second female astronaut in total spacewalk time.

Suni was selected by NASA in 1998, while Wilmore was accepted in 2000 after three attempts. In an interview, Wilmore reported his persistence: “The third time I applied, they called me for an interview. However, they didn’t select me and I thought: ok, I’ll try one more time. So I did, and here we are.”

Butch Wilmore, a native of Tennessee, has a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Tennessee Technological University, as well as a master’s degree in Aviation Systems from the University of Tennessee. In addition to his role at NASA, Wilmore is a captain in the United States Navy, with 8,000 flight hours in tactical jet aircraft, four operational missions and training at the US Naval Test Pilot School.

The current situation highlights the challenges and risks inherent in space missions, as well as the importance of safety and technological innovation for continued space exploration.