Will NASA’s Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore run out of oxygen & food before SpaceX rescue mission?

NASA recently announced that the Starliner capsule will return to Earth without the astronauts.

NASA has addressed recent concerns about the safety of astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore, who launched to the International Space Station (ISS) in June 2024 aboard Boeing's Starliner capsule. 

The agency confirmed that Boeing’s Starliner will return to Earth without the astronauts onboard.

Food and Oxygen Supply: The Situation

Despite the extended mission, NASA reassured that the ISS has sufficient food and oxygen to support the crew. The space station is well-stocked, and there is no immediate risk of running out of supplies. NASA is closely monitoring the situation to ensure the astronauts' well-being.

In a critical decision, NASA announced that the Starliner capsule, which has faced technical issues, will return to Earth uncrewed to prioritize astronaut safety and gather essential data during the return. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson emphasized the inherent risks of spaceflight, stating that keeping the astronauts on the ISS while the Starliner returns uncrewed aligns with their commitment to safety.

Williams and Wilmore will stay on the ISS as part of Expedition 71/72 until February 2025, continuing to support research, maintenance, and Starliner system testing. They are scheduled to return to Earth aboard SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft along with other crew members from the SpaceX Crew-9 mission.

The Starliner's uncrewed return is planned for early September 2024, with a controlled autonomous re-entry and landing. NASA's decision aims to minimize risks while collecting valuable data for future space exploration.

Typical ISS missions last around six months, but astronauts have completed longer stays, contributing valuable data on long-duration spaceflight.

Do the astronauts have necessary supplies?
Yes, the ISS is well-stocked with food, water, and other essentials, with additional resupply missions planned through 2024.

What are the astronauts doing on the ISS?
Williams and Wilmore are involved in station research, maintenance, Starliner system testing, and preparing for future spacewalks.

Can they communicate with family and friends?
Yes, they can stay in touch with family and friends via email, calls, and video conferencing.