The Momma Clan

In a much-anticipated event, veteran NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams embarked on a historic journey aboard Boeing’s Starliner on June 5, aiming to test the spacecraft’s capabilities in space. Both Wilmore and Williams have distinguished backgrounds, having served as military test pilots and experienced astronauts. This mission marked a significant milestone, as they became the first crew to fly on Starliner, heralding a new era in NASA’s efforts to diversify its spacecraft fleet for missions to the International Space Station (ISS).

The mission was planned as an eight-day test to the ISS, a routine that NASA has mastered over decades. However, the mission faced unexpected challenges soon after launch. Within the first 24 hours, Starliner’s propulsion system encountered significant issues, including the failure of five out of its 28 thrusters. Additionally, the spacecraft experienced multiple helium leaks – helium being critical for pressurising the thrusters. These malfunctions triggered a series of delays, leading to a re-evaluation of the mission’s objectives and safety protocols.

As a result of these technical difficulties, Wilmore and Williams find themselves in an unexpected situation – they are essentially stuck in space. What was meant to be a short test mission has turned into an extended stay aboard the ISS, with their return now rescheduled for February 2025 aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft. This delay has posed significant challenges for the astronauts, who have had to adapt to an extended mission duration without prior planning.

The Difficulties of an Extended Stay

Being stuck in space longer than anticipated is not just a matter of patience; it brings a host of challenges that the astronauts must face:

1. Psychological Impact: Extended time in the confined environment of the ISS can be mentally taxing. Astronauts are isolated from their families and friends, and the monotony of daily routines can lead to stress. The uncertainty of their situation adds to the psychological burden, requiring strong mental resilience.

2. Resource Management: Although the ISS is well-stocked with supplies, an unexpected extension of any mission requires careful resource management. Food, water, and other essentials must be monitored and rationed to ensure that there are enough supplies for the entire crew until the next scheduled resupply mission.

3. Health Concerns: Prolonged exposure to microgravity can have adverse effects on the human body, including muscle atrophy, bone density loss, and potential vision problems. While the ISS is equipped with exercise equipment to help counteract these effects, the longer the stay, the greater the risk of health issues. Additionally, if any medical emergencies arise, the limited medical facilities on the ISS pose a challenge.

4. Technical and Maintenance Demands: An extended stay means more wear and tear on the ISS systems, necessitating ongoing maintenance. Astronauts must be vigilant in keeping the station’s equipment functioning, which requires time, effort, and expertise. The unexpected duration also means more reliance on the station’s life support systems, which must remain fully operational.

5. Emotional Challenges: Being far from home, coupled with the stress of being stuck, can take an emotional toll on astronauts. Maintaining morale is critical, and astronauts often rely on communication with loved ones, as well as hobbies and recreational activities, to stay mentally healthy.

Life on the ISS: A Glimpse into Daily Routines

As Wilmore and Williams adjust to their unexpected extended stay, their daily lives on the ISS continue to revolve around several key activities:

1. Scientific Research: The primary purpose of the ISS is to conduct scientific research that can’t be done on Earth. Astronauts participate in experiments across a variety of fields, including biology, physics, astronomy, and Earth sciences. These experiments are designed to understand how living in microgravity affects the human body and to develop technologies that will aid in long-term space exploration. For instance, astronauts might study how plants grow in space or how the human heart functions without gravity.

2. Maintenance and Upkeep: The ISS is a complex machine that requires regular maintenance to function correctly. Astronauts spend part of their day performing repairs and upgrades, ensuring that all systems are operational. This includes everything from fixing a broken toilet to upgrading computer systems.

3. Exercise: In the microgravity environment of space, astronauts’ muscles and bones can weaken, so exercise is crucial. Crew members are required to work out for about two hours each day using specialised equipment such as the Treadmill with Vibration Isolation and Stabilization (TVIS), the Cycle Ergometer with Vibration Isolation and Stabilization (CEVIS), and the Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED). This helps maintain their physical health and counteracts the effects of long-term weightlessness.

4. Daily Living and Recreation: Even astronauts need downtime. They spend time eating, communicating with their families, and enjoying personal activities like reading, watching movies, or taking photos of Earth. Meals are planned carefully to provide balanced nutrition, and they consist of foods that can be easily prepared in the microgravity environment. Communication with loved ones back on Earth is facilitated via email, video calls, and even social media.

5. Educational Outreach: Astronauts frequently engage in outreach activities, conducting live broadcasts or answering questions from students worldwide. These interactions inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers, making space exploration a shared experience.

6. International Collaboration: The ISS is a symbol of international cooperation, and daily life on the station reflects this. Astronauts from different countries work together, share cultures, and contribute to the success of the mission. This collaboration extends to solving problems, sharing data from experiments, and ensuring the safety and efficiency of the ISS operations.

Conclusion

The story of Starliner, Wilmore, and Williams is a testament to the resilience and adaptability that defines space exploration. The setbacks faced during this mission highlight the complexities of space travel and the importance of rigorous testing and safety protocols. Meanwhile, the daily lives of astronauts aboard the ISS continue to be a blend of hard work, scientific discovery, and moments of awe and inspiration. As humanity reaches for the stars, the lessons learned from these experiences pave the way for future explorers. The spirit of exploration thrives, pushing boundaries and making the impossible possible.

-Dr. Arwa Saifi