Will the Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore Have to Return to Earth Without a Spacesuit

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It is anticipated that astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams of NASA would return to Earth without a spacesuit. NASA has disclosed that the largest issue they are encountering, having been stranded in space for more than two months, is the incompatibility of spacesuits with SpaceX's Dragon craft. NASA has been having trouble returning the astronauts safely, so it is now considering asking Elon Musk's SpaceX for assistance. Nevertheless, it has recently been discovered that SpaceX's Dragon spaceship is incompatible with the Boeing spacesuits. This can result in more dangers.

Return to Earth Without a Spacesuit

According to NASA's official statement, "They are really not interchangeable from a suit standpoint." That would not be the idea, since a SpaceX suit cannot be used in a Boeing vehicle and a Boeing suit cannot be used in a SpaceX vehicle. They may have to return unsuitable on the Dragon if the Starliner undocks and that vessel is the only one available. In the event that the astronauts return in February 2025, NASA will have ample time to provide them with suitable spacesuits.

Returning Date of the Astronauts

Regarding the return date, NASA's Space Operations Mission Directorate assistant administrator Ken Bowersox said, "Everyone will prefer a date, but we got some working dates, but I know we need to preserve that flexibility... Butch and Suni are well engaged on board the ISS right now...They may be making the most of the situation, but like the rest of us, I'm sure they're ready for a decision. When that happens, we'll make sure to get together and share the details with you all."

"We are getting close to the time when we have to make a decision, hopefully by the last week of August," he continued.

Final Note

The eight-day mission has been postponed indefinitely, but NASA is still looking after the astronauts. Periodically, they send a supply vehicle loaded with food and other necessities for their survival. On the upcoming Crew-9 Dragon mission, which is expected to arrive at the ISS in the upcoming months, additional SpaceX flight suits will be sent. In order to prepare astronauts for their return, this will be done. Under the case of an emergency, it is anticipated that the astronauts may have to return under unsuitable conditions aboard the Crew-8 spacecraft.