Return of IAS Honorary Member Sunita Williams from the ISS

We would like to inform you about the difficulties our Honorary Member, astronaut Sunita Williams, is currently experiencing on the International Space Station (ISS). Sunita Williams and her colleague Butch Wilmore have encountered several technical problems on the Boeing Starliner spacecraft, which have led to the repeated postponement of their return to Earth, scheduled for 22 June. The latest plan is for them to return on 2 July 2024.

Problems detected include helium leaks and malfunctioning thrusters. Engineering teams have been working to resolve these problems, but some systems are still under watch. In addition, the astronaut team has also faced challenges while operating on the ISS, where they have had to follow procedures to safely shelter from approaching pieces of space debris. You can read more about this in the original Starliner Updates press release (Phys.org).

During their extended stay on the ISS, Williams and Wilmore continued key research in microgravity and took part in maintenance tasks on the station. Although the problems have been mostly resolved, we remain cautious and hope that the return will be safe and without further complications (India Today) (Space.com). Experts have already mentioned the possibility of a return being organised only in a few months' time (mint).

Sunita is one of the most experienced astronauts and her dedication and professionalism are an inspiration to us all, but we are aware that the current situation requires a cautious approach and follow-up. We hope that her return will be safe and completed soon.

The Management of the Engineering Academy of Slovenia

(June 24, 2024) NASA’s Boeing Crew Flight Test astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore (at center) pose with Expedition 71 Flight Engineers (far left) Mike Barratt and Tracy C. Dyson (far right), both NASA astronauts, in their spacesuits aboard the International Space Station’s Quest airlock.