NASA Shares Update on Rescue Efforts for Astronauts Stranded in Space

On Tuesday, NASA held a teleconference to address astronausts Suni Williams, 58, and Butch Wilmore, 60, who have been stranded since early June on the International Space Station (ISS).

Williams and Wilmore’s mission was planned to last just eight days, but following mechanical difficulties with their Boeing Starliner spacecraft they have now spent two months stranded in outer space. E! News reported that the chief of NASA’s Astronaut Office, Joe Acaba , confirmed on the August 14 call that William and Wilmore were in good spirits. Extended, unforeseen delays are one of the many variables astronauts are trained to handle .

“It's part of our jobs,” explained Acaba, who has flown three space missions with NASA. “We realize that launch dates may slip, mission durations may change in real time, so again as professionals, they're doing great.”

Ken Bowersox, the associate administrator for NASA’s Space Operations Mission Directorate, announced that he and Acaba expect to complete their analysis regarding options for bringing Williams and Wilmore home within the next week. Following that, a formal review will be conducted to determine whether they’ll take the Starliner back to Earth or one of SpaceX’s Dragon capsules.

If the Boeing Starliner can be repaired, Williams and Wilmore can leave as soon as it's ready. But if they need to take the SpaceX capsule, they'd have to spend another six months on the ISS. However, since the ISS can easily receive resupply missions, food is low on NASA’s list of worries about bringing the two back to Earth. The longest time the astronauts could spend in space would be eight months.

Boeing was not present during Tuesday’s teleconference, but last week they expressed hope that the Starliner could be repaired. Issues include five failed thrusters and leaks in the craft’s propulsion-related plumbing.

“We still believe in Starliner’s capability and its flight rationale," the company told E! News on August 9. "If NASA decides to change the mission, we will take the actions necessary to configure Starliner for an uncrewed return."