NASA astronauts aboard space station could be left in space 6 more months

NASA astronauts Sonny Williams and Butch Wilmore, who launched on the Boeing Starliner in June, face an extended mission due to technical issues with the spacecraft. Originally a one-week mission, it may now last seven months. NASA and Boeing are conducting tests to determine if Starliner can safely return the astronauts. If not, a SpaceX capsule may be used, potentially extending their stay until February. NASA is balancing the need to bring the astronauts home with the challenges of extended space missions.

What was the original duration planned for the mission of astronauts Sonny Williams and Butch Wilmore?

• One week

• One month

• Six months

• Three months

What was the primary goal of the Boeing Starliner mission?

• To repair the Hubble Space Telescope

• To conduct experiments in zero gravity

• To test the spacecraft's capability to transport people to the International Space Station

• To explore Mars

What were some of the technical issues faced by the Boeing Starliner?

• Fuel leaks and communication failures

• Structural damage and overheating

• Helium leaks and thruster malfunctions

• Navigation errors and power shortages

What is the backup plan if the Boeing Starliner cannot complete its mission?

• Using a Russian Soyuz capsule

• Delaying the mission indefinitely

• Utilizing a SpaceX capsule with Crew 9

• Returning the astronauts via a supply ship

When is the Crew 9 mission expected to return to Earth?

• February of next year

• January of next year

• March of next year

• December of this year