NASA’s Sunita Williams stuck on ISS-SpaceX mission due to Russian spacecraft engine trouble
NASA astronauts and Russian cosmonauts on board the International Space Station (ISS) could face delays in their return to Earth.
A Russian spacecraft engine problem detected during the Progress 81 resupply mission, which was scheduled to launch on Thursday, February 16, has forced NASA to delay its own Crew-5 mission for the time being.
The Progress 81 resupply mission was set to deliver two and a half tons of food, fuel, and supplies to the ISS, including life support systems, scientific experiments, and spare parts. The mission was also scheduled to carry a new oxygen-generating system, which is essential for sustaining life on the ISS.
According to NASA, the engine problem was detected during a routine pre-launch test. The Russian space agency, Roscosmos, is currently investigating the issue and has not yet announced a new launch date.
As a result of the delay, NASA's Crew-5 mission, which was scheduled to launch on March 1, has also been delayed. The Crew-5 mission is carrying four astronauts to the ISS: NASA astronauts Nicole Mann and Josh Cassada, JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Koichi Wakata, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Anna Kikina.
NASA is working with Roscosmos to resolve the issue and determine a new launch date for both missions.
What does this mean for the astronauts on board the ISS?
- The astronauts on board the ISS are not in immediate danger.
- They have enough food, water, and oxygen to last until at least the end of March.
- NASA is working with Roscosmos to develop a plan to bring the astronauts home safely.
What is the impact of the delay on NASA's Artemis program?
The delay of the Crew-5 mission is likely to have a ripple effect on NASA's Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon by 2024.
The Crew-5 mission is one of the first steps in the Artemis program, and its delay could push back the timeline for the program as a whole.
NASA is still assessing the impact of the delay on the Artemis program and will provide more information in the coming weeks.
Conclusion
The delay of NASA's Crew-5 mission is a setback for the agency's Artemis program, but it is not a major crisis.
NASA is working with Roscosmos to resolve the issue and determine a new launch date for the mission.
The astronauts on board the ISS are safe and have enough supplies to last until at least the end of March.
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