Two American astronauts who flew an impaired Boeing Starliner capsule to the International Space Station will now stay until February, turning their mission from eight days into eight months – and they’ll return home in a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft.

Astronauts Sunita “Suni” Williams and Barry “Butch” Wilmore have already spent over 80 days on the space station, significantly longer than their intended mission to evaluate the Starliner capsule.

The Starliner faced issues with its thrusters and helium leaks during the trip to the space station. NASA decided it would be too risky to use it for a crewed return. Therefore, the Boeing capsule will return to Earth uncrewed, as announced by the space agency on August 24.

Williams, 58, and Wilmore, 61, may remain on the station for 240 to 267 days or longer. While this duration is considerable, it won’t set a new record.

What is the record for consecutive days in space?

The astronauts will function as part of the Expedition 71/72 crew until February 2025, according to NASA. Their return will be aboard the SpaceX Crew-9 capsule, which is set for launch on September 24.

This capsule will carry only two astronauts instead of four, making space for Williams and Wilmore’s return in February.

In the interim, Williams and Wilmore—both seasoned space travelers—are engaged in research and maintenance tasks on the station.

What happened with the Starliner?

After several technical delays, the two astronauts launched on the Starliner crew capsule on June 5. This mission was its first crewed test, aimed at assessing the capsule’s flying and docking capabilities.

A helium leak that impacted the control of the thrusters needed for docking and navigation emerged during the flight.

The Starliner successfully docked at the space station on June 6 and will stay there while engineers work on the timeline for its return to Earth via remote control. It will be moved from the dock to allow the SpaceX Crew-9 capsule to connect.

NASA and Boeing have clarified that the Starliner astronauts are not “stranded” on the station. While their extended stay is unexpected, the International Space Station has ample space and facilities to support the Starliner crew.

A supply ship that arrived uncrewed on August 6 brought clothing and personal items for Williams and Wilmore.

Where do astronauts sleep on the space station?

The International Space Station features seven permanent Crew Quarters for astronauts to sleep in. The U.S. Crew Quarters, which include two laptops, personal effects, and sleeping bags, each measure about 74 cubic feet—roughly the size of a vintage phone booth, according to the astronauts.

Additionally, during crew exchanges, astronauts can sleep in other temporary spaces when there are more crew members than available quarters.

“When extra astronauts are aboard for handovers, they coordinate with flight controllers to find temporary sleeping spots,” NASA explains.

Possible options include the U.S. Quest Airlock, part of Node 1, and the Japanese Experiment Module Kibo. There’s also an area called CASA (Crew Alternate Sleep Accommodation) in the European Columbus Module, as shared by the European Space Agency.

Astronauts can even opt to sleep in spacecraft that are docked at the station, as noted by NASA.

Current sleeping arrangements and their occupants:

• ◾ U.S. Harmony Module/Node 2: U.S. astronauts Tracy Dyson, Mike Barratt, Matthew Dominick, and Jeanette Epps.
• ◾ European Columbus Module: Williams.
• ◾ Japanese Experiment Module Kibo: Wilmore.
• ◾ Russian Zvezda Module/Service Module: Two Russian cosmonauts.
• ◾ Russian Multipurpose Laboratory Module Nauka: One Russian cosmonaut.

Though having nine astronauts aboard might appear crowded, the station previously accommodated 13 in July 2009, which included six crew members and seven astronauts from the Endeavour STS-127 mission, who were there to deliver modules.

How do astronauts sleep in space?

In the space station, there are no traditional beds. Instead, astronauts use specially designed sleeping bags that can be secured to the walls.

This setup might seem uncomfortable, as astronaut Chris Hadfield points out in a NASA/CSA clip. However, he notes that without gravity, “you can completely relax.”

Astronauts on the space station typically aim for about eight hours of sleep daily. Along with their scientific and maintenance duties, they need to engage in around two hours of exercise each day to counteract the effects of lower gravity that can weaken their muscles and bones.

What else is docked at the station alongside Starliner?

Starliner issues began before the launch

The Starliner’s Issues arose even before the launch of the spacecraft on June 5.

The initial launch was set for May 6, but was postponed due to a malfunction with an oxygen relief valve on the Centaur Stage of the Atlas V rocket.

On May 21, engineers discovered a minor helium leak in the service module of the spacecraft, pushing the launch date to June 1. Unfortunately, a computer issue forced the cancellation of this launch.

Starliner ultimately lifted off successfully on June 5. However, NASA later reported that two additional helium leaks were detected after Starliner separated from its Atlas V rocket and reached Earth orbit.

As a result, the spacecraft lost five thrusters, causing a delay in docking with the space station. Engineers managed to reset the thrusters, and Starliner successfully docked with the space station on June 6.

Nonetheless, the spacecraft’s return, which was initially planned for June 13, faced three further delays as engineers continued to inspect its propulsion systems.

Contributions from: Brooke Edwards, Florida Today; Eric Lagatta, Jonathan Limehouse, YSL News

Source: Reporting and research by YSL News Network; NASA; European Space Agency; Canadian Space Agency