Will Sunita Williams soon run out of food, oxygen at space station? NASA clarifies

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

NASA astronaut Sunita Williams and her fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore potentially running out of food and oxygen during their extended stay in space. Initially slated to return after just eight days, their mission has been delayed by more than two months due to technical issues with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft. With these delays, the question of whether they have sufficient supplies to last until their safe return has come to the forefront.

Food and Oxygen Supply: The Facts

According to NASA, both food and oxygen supplies for the astronauts aboard the space station are closely monitored and well within safe limits. Despite the extended mission, NASA has assured that the space station is stocked with ample provisions to support the crew for an extended period, including the possibility of further delays.

NASA officials have clarified that while the malfunctioning thrusters of the Starliner have caused concern, the astronauts are not in immediate danger of running out of food or oxygen. Rudy Ridolfi, a former commander of U.S. military space systems, highlighted potential risks if the Starliner attempts re-entry at an improper angle, but he emphasized that the current focus is on ensuring a safe return, rather than an imminent depletion of resources.

The Challenges Ahead

NASA has been actively exploring alternative options to bring the astronauts back safely. One potential solution is using SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft, which is scheduled for departure in September 2024. However, this plan is not without its