It is being said in media reports that SpaceX can come forward to rescue both the astronauts. SpaceX has expertise in space missions. However, NASA will have to take the final decision on whether to take its help or not. Russia is also an option. If Russia is talked to, then its Soyuz spacecraft can bring back both the astronauts. Russia did this last year as well.
Why is Sunita Williams in space?
Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore flew to the ISS on June 5. Both of them reached there aboard Boeing’s Starliner. This is a reusable spacecraft designed to take astronauts to space and bring them back from there. The recent mission was of 9 days, but due to leakage of helium gas from the spacecraft, the Starliner malfunctioned. NASA had said that both the astronauts would return by June 26, but this could not happen. Now they are expected to return by July 2.
If SpaceX is given the task of return?
The question is what will happen if SpaceX is given the task of bringing back both the astronauts. According to media reports, Boeing and SpaceX are competitors of each other. If SpaceX brings back both the astronauts, it will be a big setback for Boeing’s Starliner project. Boeing has spent a lot of time and money on the development of this spacecraft.
Russia has the capability
Last year, two Russian astronauts were also stuck on the ISS. Coolant leaked from their spacecraft and the problem could not be fixed. After that, Russia sent its second spacecraft from Earth and brought back the astronauts.