Astronauts Stranded at ISS Face Extended Stay Due to Spacesuit Incompatibility

Two NASA astronauts aboard the International Space Station are facing an extended stay in space after their Boeing Starliner spacecraft malfunctioned, leading to a potential incompatibility with their spacesuits and their intended return via SpaceX's Dragon vessel.

Two NASA astronauts currently stranded at the International Space Station (ISS) may have to endure a significantly longer stay than anticipated due to an unexpected incompatibility between their Boeing spacesuits and SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft, the vehicle they were expected to use for their return to Earth.

The astronauts, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, arrived at the ISS on June 5 aboard the Boeing Starliner, which experienced a series of technical issues, including helium leaks and propulsion problems. NASA has been working to address these issues and determine a safe way to return the astronauts to Earth.

Astronauts Stranded at ISS Face Extended Stay Due to Spacesuit Incompatibility

However, a new challenge has emerged: the incompatibility between the Boeing and SpaceX spacesuits. According to NASA, the Boeing spacesuits are designed specifically for use with the Starliner spacecraft, while the SpaceX spacesuits are tailored to the Dragon vehicle.

This incompatibility has raised concerns about the astronauts' ability to safely return to Earth using the SpaceX Dragon. NASA has not yet confirmed whether the issue is detrimental to the astronauts' return, but it is a matter of ongoing discussion.

Astronauts Stranded at ISS Face Extended Stay Due to Spacesuit Incompatibility

"The Boeing spacesuit is made to work with the Starliner spacecraft, and the SpaceX spacesuit is made to work with the Dragon spacecraft," NASA told Fox News Digital. "Both were designed to fit each unique spacecraft."

The incompatibility issue has further complicated the already complex situation surrounding the astronauts' return. NASA had initially planned for the astronauts to stay on the ISS until mid-June, but the technical issues with the Starliner forced them to extend their stay.

Astronauts Stranded at ISS Face Extended Stay Due to Spacesuit Incompatibility

Now, with the spacesuit incompatibility issue, NASA is considering various options to return the astronauts to Earth safely. One possibility is to have them return via the SpaceX Dragon with modified spacesuits or to have them remain on the ISS until a different spacecraft becomes available.

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson and agency leaders will hold an internal agency test flight readiness review on Saturday to discuss the options and make a decision on how to proceed.

Astronauts Stranded at ISS Face Extended Stay Due to Spacesuit Incompatibility

According to NASA's website, if the decision is made to return the Starliner spacecraft to Earth without a crew, Wilmore and Williams will remain on the space station until late February 2025. In that scenario, NASA would plan for the SpaceX Crew-9 mission, scheduled for September, to have only two crew members instead of four, with Wilmore and Williams returning to Earth with the two-person crew early next year.

The extended stay at the ISS would require NASA to make additional arrangements for the astronauts' food, supplies, and other resources. It would also pose potential challenges for the astronauts' physical and mental health.

NASA is working closely with Boeing and SpaceX to resolve the spacesuit issue and determine the best course of action for returning the astronauts to Earth safely. The agency is expected to provide an update on the situation following Saturday's internal review.