In a press conference, Dr. S. Somanath, the Chief of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), addressed the ongoing issue involving NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore, who remain aboard the International Space Station (ISS) due to technical problems with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft. The astronauts, originally scheduled to return after their June launch, are still in space as the spacecraft faces challenges.
Dr. Somanath reassured the public by stating, “Whenever such problems occur, everybody is concerned. That doesn’t mean that we don’t have a solution.” He emphasized that while the situation is challenging, NASA is actively working on solutions.
He noted that NASA might be erring on the side of caution, which could explain the delay. “The whole question today is whether they are taking risks unnecessarily or are they very cautious. Both are possible. If they are over-cautious, I fully support that. It’s not a matter of worry but of finding a solution,” he added.
Rescue Options and Indian Involvement
In a recent podcast, Dr. Somanath addressed the possibility of India playing a role in the rescue mission. He clarified, “Unfortunately, we don’t have the capability to send a craft to rescue them at this moment. The potential solutions would likely come from the US or Russia. The US has the Crew Dragon vehicle, and Russia has the Soyuz, both of which could be used for a rescue mission.”
Dr. Somanath emphasized that while India’s space technology is advanced, it currently lacks the capability to conduct a rescue mission.
Current Mission Challenges
NASA astronaut Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore were expected to return to Earth after a week-long mission starting in June. However, due to issues with the Boeing Starliner’s propulsion system, their return has been delayed. NASA is actively seeking a solution and has indicated that a decision regarding their return will be made by the end of August.
NASA is considering the possibility of using SpaceX's Crew-9 mission, scheduled for late September, as an alternative means of returning the astronauts. If implemented, this could delay their return until early 2025. The agency is evaluating the Starliner's safety and exploring other options to ensure a safe return.
Health and Safety Assurances
Dr. Somanath also addressed concerns about the health impacts of an extended stay in space. He reassured that astronauts are well-trained for such conditions and that extended spaceflight does not pose significant health risks. He described concerns about radiation levels as “benign,” thanks to the protective environment of the space station.
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